Janice R. Andrews
This weekend, beaches in New York and New Jersey are facing serious rip current threats as Hurricane Ernesto moves closer to Bermuda after already having an impact on Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. With gusts of up to 100 mph, the Category 2 storm is predicted to pass 600 miles east of the area, saving it from direct damage but not from its indirect impacts.
The biggest worry is the potentially dangerous rip currents, which should continue all weekend. Beachgoers are advised that swimming can be hazardous due to extremely strong surf, with waves reaching heights of five to ten feet. With Monday’s full moon approaching, the powerful waves may potentially exacerbate coastal flooding and beach erosion. The difficult circumstances might further be exacerbated by gusts of 25 to 30 mph winds near the shore.
Despite the dry and nice weather this week, things will change this weekend. The majority of today will begin with bright skies, which will progressively turn cloudy in the evening. As humidity rises, temperatures in the high 80s and low 90s will feel increasingly unpleasant. Overnight, there will be more clouds, and lows will fall into the low 70s.
More clouds than sun are predicted for Saturday, but rain is not predicted until late in the day, mostly in the west. The low to mid-80s will be the highest temperatures, but the humidity will be more pronounced. Overnight, there will be an increase in the amount of rain, and on Sunday, waves of showers and thunderstorms are predicted to deliver torrential downpours that might reach two inches in certain places.
As Hurricane Ernesto’s effects become apparent, beachgoers and locals in the Tri-State area should use care and be informed about the most recent weather forecasts.
