Category 2 Hurricane Ernesto updates from the National Hurricane Center for Friday, Aug 16

Article first published: Friday, Aug. 16, 2024, 5 a.m. ET

Article last updated: Friday, Aug. 16, 2024, 2 p.m. ET

The National Hurricane Center's 2 pm Friday advisory reported that Category 2 Hurricane Ernesto is 180 miles south-southwest of Bermuda, with maximum sustained wind of 100 mph. It’s moving 14 mph to the north-northeast.

"... the center of Ernesto is expected to pass near or over Bermuda on Saturday morning." meteorologists state. "Some gradual weakening is forecast over the next day or so, though some re-intensification is possible by early next week."

YESTERDAY (Thursday):

Yesterday, Ernesto reached new heights of intensity and was upgraded from a Category 1 hurricane into a Category 2 hurricane, with winds blowing at 100 miles per hour.

A hurricane warning has been issued by forecasters for Bermuda.

SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT:

A Hurricane Warning is in effect for:

- Bermuda

A Hurricane Warning means that hurricane conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area. Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion.

HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND:

WIND: Hurricane conditions are expected on Bermuda Saturday, with tropical storm conditions likely beginning later this afternoon.

STORM SURGE: A dangerous storm surge is expected to produce significant coastal flooding on Bermuda in areas of onshore winds. Near the coast, the surge will be accompanied by large and destructive waves.

RAINFALL: Ernesto is expected to produce total rain accumulations of 6 to 12 inches in Bermuda with isolated maximum amounts up to 15 inches. This rainfall will likely result in considerable life-threatening flash flooding, especially in low-lying areas on the island.

SURF: Swells generated by Ernesto are affecting portions of the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Bahamas, and Bermuda. Swells are expected to spread up the east coast of the United States later today and continue into the weekend, and could reach portions of Atlantic Canada by late Saturday. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.

Source: National Hurricane Center

This article was generated by the South Carolina Bot, artificial intelligence software that analyzes information from the National Hurricane Center and applies it to templates created by journalists in the newsroom. We are experimenting with this and other new ways of providing more useful content to our readers and subscribers. You can report errors or bugs to mcclatchybot@mcclatchy.com .