As Hurricane Ernesto gains strength off the East Coast, Central Florida's beaches are set to face dangerous conditions early in the week. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has reported that Ernesto, which previously wreaked havoc on Bermuda with high winds and flooding, is now a hurricane once again. According to WESH, the re-intensified storm boasts maximum sustained winds of 90 mph and is situated approximately 320 miles south-southeast of Halifax Nova Scotia.
Ernesto is expected, during the next few days, to lose them according to information from the National Hurricane Center. Even though the maximum wind speeds have risen to 90 mph, forecasters anticipate that by Monday evening, weakening will begin and Ernesto will transition into a post-tropical cyclone by early Tuesday, according to ABC News.
Ernesto is marked as the fifth named storm and the third hurricane. Over the past week, the storm has been responsible for significant power outages and flooding in Puerto Rico and Bermuda. After hitting Bermuda on Saturday, the hurricane brought 7 to 9 inches of rain, causing floods in parts of the island. Fortunately, the British Overseas Territory managed to avoid major damage. Currently, Ernesto has moved about 200 miles northeast of Bermuda, as ABC News reported. The hurricane was upgraded to a Category 1 hurricane on Sunday night, with the NHC issuing warnings for dangerous beach conditions along the East Coast.
Residents and visitors along the Eastern seaboard should be cautious due to unpredictable weather, high winds, and strong currents. Beachgoers need to stay alert and follow local warnings. Ernesto, which has gained strength while moving through Atlantic waters, will likely reach southeastern Newfoundland late Monday into Tuesday morning, as detailed by ABC News.
