Hurricane Ernesto will create big waves, strong rip currents at NC beaches. Here’s when.

Hurricane Ernesto likely will create dangerous conditions along the length of the North Carolina coast on Friday, bringing big waves and strong rip currents as the storm moves through the Atlantic hundreds of miles offshore, forecasters say.

How is Ernesto affecting N.C. beaches?

The National Hurricane Center said Ernesto, a large storm with 100 mph winds, is expected to move Friday to the northeast on a path that will take it over Bermuda on Saturday.

Because of Ernesto’s size and strength, the storm is expected to generate waves of 5 to 9 feet on North Carolina beaches through Friday night and 5 to 8 feet Saturday through Monday night, forecasters said.

The risk of strong rip currents is high at all the state’s beaches through the same period as a result of the storm, the National Weather Service said .

Is it safe to go in the ocean?

North Carolina beaches began posting red flags on Friday and warning swimmers not to go in the water .

The Town of Emerald Isle posted a warning on Facebook , sharing a National Weather Service graphic that shows the N.C. coast outlined in red, indicating a high risk of rip currents.

“Don’t take the chance in the water,” the town said Friday. “Enjoy the sun and sand but no swimming!!”

The biggest waves and strongest rip currents are expected Friday, but conditions will be rough through at least Monday , forecasters said.

Will Ernesto cause flooding?

River levels in Eastern North Carolina have been dropping since Tropical Storm Debby, and are not expected to rise as a result of Hurricane Ernesto.

Minor tidal flooding is possible from Ernesto along the lower Cape Fear River, including downtown Wilmington, through the weekend, the National Weather Service said. Flooding is most likely during evening high tides.

The N.C. Department of Transportation said Friday on Facebook that it will be monitoring conditions along N.C. Highway 12 on the Outer Banks , which is subject to ocean overwash during storms.

“All is well this AM on NC 12, but Hatteras and Ocracoke are now under a Coastal Flood Advisory due to tidal effects from far-off Hurricane Ernesto, “DOT said. “We don’t know if there will be any effects on NC 12, but crews and equipment are standing by, and we’ll update here if necessary.”