Current Snapshot

The Pacific Disaster Center’s (PDC Global) Saturday, August 17, 2024, Tropical Cyclone Activity Report for the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico

CURRENT TROPICAL CYCLONES:

Tropical Cyclone 05L (Ernesto)…is located about 50 miles north-northeast of Bermuda

Tropical Cyclone 05L (Ernesto)

According to the NHC Advisory number 24…

HAZARDOUS WEATHER STILL OCCURRING ON BERMUDA AS ERNESTO MOVES SLOWLY NORTH NORTHEASTWARD…DANGEROUS BEACH CONDITIONS TO CONTINUE ALONG THE U.S. EAST COAST THROUGH EARLY NEXT WEEK

Ernesto is moving toward the north-northeast near 9 mph (15 km/h), and this general motion is expected to continue through early Sunday. An
acceleration toward the north-northeast should begin on Sunday, with a turn toward the northeast and east-northeast occurring late Monday into Tuesday. On the forecast track, the center of Ernesto will slowly move away from Bermuda today and pass near southeastern Newfoundland late Monday and Monday night.

Data from an Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft indicate that maximum sustained winds are near 80 mph (130 km/h) with higher gusts. Little change in strength is forecast during the next 48 hours.

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 70 miles (110 km) from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 240 miles (390 km). An elevated weather station at the National Museum of Bermuda recently reported a sustained wind of 62 mph (100 km/h) and a gust to 82 mph (132 km/h).

HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND

WIND: Hurricane-force gusts are possible on Bermuda for a few more hours. Tropical storm conditions are likely to continue through this evening or tonight.

STORM SURGE: Significant coastal flooding is still possible 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 9 inches or 150 to 225 mm in Bermuda. 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 Bahamas, Bermuda, and the east coast of the United States and will reach portions of Atlantic Canada today. Life-threatening surf and rip current conditions are likely in these areas during the next couple of days.