From our news services
While the fifth tropical cyclone of the 2024 season is forecast to stay well away from North Carolina, it will still have some impacts along the Outer Banks starting Friday, according to a report by the National Weather Service out of Newport/Morehead City.
Tropical Storm Ernesto was moving through the northern Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico on Tuesday evening.
The latest forecasts from the National Hurricane Center call for Ernesto to become at least a category two hurricane later this week and eventually pass over Bermuda on Saturday.
“This does not mean the Outer Banks will escape impacts from the storm. Unfortunately, strong swells from Ernesto will combine with higher-than-normal tides and potentially nice beach weather, over a weekend, the report said.
That could mean issues along the vulnerable oceanfront areas on Pea Island, in Rodanthe, Buxton, between Frisco and Hatteras, and the north end of Ocracoke.
There is a potential for a high risk of rip currents coinciding with high populations at the beach this weekend due to the nice weather.
Other coastal hazards, including beach erosion, over wash and a generally higher than normal water level are also expected. Those details will become more clear in the coming days.
As we reach the peak of the hurricane season in just a few weeks, officials are reminding everyone to make sure they are prepared for what is forecast to still be above-average for activity.
