As millions of Americans try to enjoy the last days of summer at the beach before schools reopen, they were alerted on Sunday about the dangerous swells caused by Hurricane Ernesto, which regained hurricane strength. This storm poses significant risks to swimmers along a large portion of the Atlantic coast.

The National Hurricane Center warned that “life-threatening surf and rip current conditions” will likely persist for the next few days and advised beachgoers to stay out of the water if lifeguards issue warnings. The National Weather Service has cautioned about perilous rip currents from Maine all the way to Florida.

Currently, Ernesto is located 520 miles south of Halifax, Canada, with maximum sustained winds rising from 70 to 75 mph, making it categorically a Category 1 hurricane. The storm is moving north-northeast at a speed of 17 mph, and it is expected to accelerate and shift towards the east-northeast shortly.

At least three fatalities have been linked to Ernesto, with two men drowning off Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, on Friday, and a swimmer being found unresponsive in Surf City, North Carolina, on Saturday. The hurricane center also indicated that hazardous surf conditions and rip currents might affect the Bahamas, Bermuda, and Atlantic Canada in the upcoming days.

Recent Updates:

∎ The New York City Department of Parks & Recreation has prohibited swimming at beaches in Queens and Brooklyn as of Sunday.

∎ The weakened center of Ernesto is expected to approach southeastern Newfoundland in Canada late Monday into Tuesday morning.

∎ New Jersey emergency management officials have advised beachgoers against swimming when lifeguards are absent: “Keep your feet on the sand until lifeguards are present!” Multiple rescues were reported in the past few days.

Third fatality linked to rip currents confirmed

The National Weather Service has confirmed a third death attributed to rip currents generated by Ernesto along the Atlantic Coast.

Emergency responders from the Surf City Fire Department in North Carolina answered a call about a distressed swimmer on Saturday at 2:46 p.m. They discovered Sean Davis, 41, from Hampstead, North Carolina, unresponsive in the water. Despite efforts to revive him on the beach, he did not survive.

Additionally, on the North Carolina coast on the same day, there were 23 rescues from rip currents in Wrightsville Beach, five in Carolina Beach, and another in Kure Beach, according to the weather service.

− Dinah Voyles Pulver

House collapse in Rodanthe on Outer Banks

In Rodanthe, a town in the North Carolina Outer Banks, the Chicamacomico Banks Fire & Rescue shared images of a coastal home that was demolished and swept away into the Atlantic Ocean. They indicated that several other homes are also at risk of collapsing due to Ernesto, as they posted various warnings on social media. The presence of debris in the water further increases dangers for swimmers.

“There is a high risk of rip currents in Rodanthe, with significant waves expected today and tomorrow,” the agency cautioned. “Entering the ocean is strongly discouraged.”

Understanding rip currents

Rip currents are narrow, powerful channels of water that flow rapidly away from the shore. While they generally move at about 1 to 2 feet per second, they can reach speeds of up to 8 feet per second, surpassing even elite swimmers. These currents are typically no wider than 80 feet.

When waves crash onto the beach, water usually flows back into the ocean evenly. However, irregularities in the seabed, such as sandbar breaks, can cause water to surge through specific areas, creating strong rip currents. If caught in one, it’s essential to stay calm. Rip currents will pull you away from the shore, not under the water. It’s best to float or tread water until you can safely swim back or are rescued.

Bermuda escapes major impacts from Ernesto

Officials in Bermuda are relieved after Ernesto caused less damage than anticipated as it moved northward.

Initially, forecasts suggested that Ernesto could hit the British territory as a dangerous Category 3 hurricane with winds exceeding 111 mph after lurking in warm Atlantic waters. However, the storm weakened and arrived Saturday morning as a Category 1 hurricane with sustained winds reaching 89 mph.

Although Ernesto left nearly 75% of Bermuda without electricity due to uprooted trees and flooded streets, significant injuries or damage were not reported. Most of the 64,000 residents on the island appear to have adhered to government advisories to remain indoors during the storm’s peak.

“I’m pleased to share that our emergency services received no reports of significant incidents or property damage, and the few calls we have received in the last six hours are mainly concerning flooding,” said risk management official Lyndon Raynor in a Saturday update.

The Height of the Forecasted Busy Hurricane Season is Still Coming

Ernesto marks the fifth named storm and third hurricane of this season, which is anticipated to be considerably busier than usual and has not yet reached its peak. The hurricane season begins on June 1 and ends on November 30, usually peaking from late August to the end of September.

The latest projections from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration indicate there will likely be 17 to 24 named storms and between 8 to 13 hurricanes. It is expected that 4 to 7 of these storms could escalate to major hurricanes, classified as Category 3 or above, with winds of at least 111 mph. In a typical year, the averages are about 14.4 named storms, 7.2 hurricanes, and 3.2 major hurricanes.

This season’s potential for devastating storms was first highlighted by Hurricane Beryl, which became the earliest recorded Category 5 hurricane on July 1 due to the unusually warm Atlantic waters. Following Beryl, Hurricanes Debby and Ernesto have caused significant damage primarily through heavy rainfall, resulting in widespread flooding rather than destruction from strong winds.