Ernesto is forecast to be a strong category 2 hurricane as it comes close to Bermuda where hurricane conditions are expected to start by Friday morning. This large hurricane will bring indirect impacts to the Eastern Seaboard.

Ernesto is moving mainly north and will continue to do so a trough continues to pull it northward and another trough exiting the United States will make sure it stays away from the U.S. Bermuda will likely be impacted by Ernesto's right half, the most powerful side, between Friday and Saturday. Early next week it could impact Newfoundland as a hurricane or extra-tropical system.

This hurricane is in an area to continue intensifying and Ernesto will come close to becoming a major category hurricane the second major category hurricane (Beryl was the first) of the season. When this happens it will put us ahead of the season as the second major hurricane on average doesn't happen until September 16.

Indirect impacts of Ernesto will arrive on Florida's East Coast first, agitating the seas, creating rough surf, and increasing the rip current risk. Similar conditions are expected throughout the weekend from the Carolinas' coast through the Northeast coast. Please check your marine forecast and stay away from the water if there is a risk of rip currents.

This is a good time to check your hurricane plans. Hurricane season promises to ramp up and ramp up quickly. Know your threats and follow the weather closely, it can exacerbate a storm or hurricane's impacts in your area.

**Información sobre Ernesto en español aquí**