Janice R. Andrews
While Hurricane Ernesto is predicted to remain hundreds of miles offshore, coastal towns from Maine to Florida are already preparing for possible dangerous weather. As the storm churns in the Atlantic Ocean, beaches along the U.S. East Coast are expected to see increasing surf and potentially deadly rip currents. Beachgoers and swimmers should exercise caution in the ocean as the National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued a warning that the effects might last far into the weekend.
Increasing Surf and Rip Currents
This week, Ernesto developed, bringing tropical storm conditions to St. Croix and Puerto Rico, among other Caribbean islands. The hurricane is creating enhanced ocean activity even while considerable air troughing is keeping it from immediately striking the U.S. mainland. As early as Thursday, there will be more swells in several East Coast locations, especially in Florida. Over the course of the weekend, stronger waves and a greater chance of potentially deadly rip currents that might reach Maine are predicted to be the results.
When making travel plans to the beach, people are advised by the NHC to consider the possibility of severe waves and rip currents. As per their most recent advisory:
- “Swells produced by the storm are likely to reach the area late this week and into the weekend, even though Ernesto is predicted to stay well offshore of the U.S. East Coast. Beachgoers should heed lifeguards’ advice to remain out of the ocean since there is a considerable risk of life-threatening waves and rip currents.*
Recognizing the Risks Associated with Rip Currents
One of the biggest risks to swimmers during tropical storms is rip currents. At up to eight feet per second, these strong, swift streams have the ability to drag swimmers away from the coast at frighteningly high rates. Many people who are caught in rip currents attempt to swim straight back to the beach out of fear, which can result in drowning and fatigue.
As of August 4th, 2023, there have been at least 30 documented deaths in the United States linked to rip currents or severe surf, with Florida accounting for the majority of these deaths. Beach officials will be extremely vigilant and will place caution flags to alert the public to potentially unsafe situations in an effort to stop more fatalities.
Beachgoer Safety Procedures
Many lifeguard groups may wave colored flags to indicate the degree of risk during dangerous ocean conditions. When there are double red flags, it means that the water is closed to the public, while a single red flag usually indicates unsafe swimming conditions.
It is recommended that beachgoers pay attention to these warnings, particularly when Ernesto’s storm waves intensify. Experts advise against trying to resist a rip current and instead advise swimmers to remain calm and swim parallel to the coast to avoid it.
The Continued Path of Hurricane Ernesto
There is more to worry about as Hurricane Ernesto makes its way north than just the American shoreline. Additionally, the NHC has issued a hurricane watch for Bermuda, alerting people to the possibility that Ernesto might intensify into a powerful hurricane as it moves forward. It is recommended that communities along its anticipated course keep an eye on local weather news and get ready for any possible effects.
For the time being, the biggest concern is still the beaches along the US coast, where strong waves and rip currents will continue to present dangerous threats all weekend long. To guarantee public safety, lifeguards and weather services are on high alert. Beachgoers are advised to exercise caution and keep informed.
As the situation evolves, stay tuned for further updates.
