Hurricane Ernesto’s Impact: Destructive Rip Currents Pummel U.S. Coastlines
As Hurricane Ernesto rages on hundreds of miles offshore, its influences are unwaveringly felt along the U.S. east coast from central Florida Atlantic coastline to New York’s Long Island. Dangerous rip currents have led to beach closures during one of the last bustling weekends of the summer season and caused significant coastal damage, including the shocking collapse of an unoccupied beach house in North Carolina. The storm surge, swells, and high seas underline the notorious reach of this “pretty large” storm, which catapulted a “large footprint of seas and waves” reportedly across the entire Eastern seaboard.
Rip Currents: Unseen Danger
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) characterizes rip currents as “powerful, narrow channels of fast-moving water” capable of reaching speeds up to 8 feet per second. Further clarifying the danger, the National Weather Service (NWS) warns these currents are expected to create hazardous surf conditions all along the east coast.
Increased Beach Closures
In a protective move, officials in New York City had to close ocean-facing beaches, sounding off warnings about the hazardous environment to beachgoers. Lifeguards patrolled the beaches, turning away those who attempted to enter the water. Further South, the National Park Service confirmed the tragic collapse of a beach house in Rodanthe, North Carolina, underscoring the destructive ripple effect of Ernesto’s distant fury.
The Threat Beyond Beaches
The impact of these dangerous conditions is not just limited to the beaches or homes resting on the coastal rim. In response to the impending hazard, official advisements have warned the public of potential rip currents not just in notable Delaware and New Jersey beaches, but as far north as Massachusetts, instructing swimmers to exercise “extreme caution” over the weekend.
Rodsanthe’s Rising Vulnerability
In Rodanthe, North Carolina, the collapse of the beach house is not an isolated incident. Sadly, this is the seventh such house collapse over the past four years on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, known for its scenic beauty. A precarious combination of low-lying barrier islands, rising sea levels, and the relentless threat of storm surges have made attempts at warding off damage increasingly futile. The National Park Service cautioned people to remain away from this area, warning that dangerous debris could be spread across the beach and water for miles.
Bermuda Swept by the Storm
Even as the U.S. battles the indirect effects, Bermuda fell directly in Ernesto’s path. The Category 1 storm has already knocked out power for tens of thousands of utility customers, with the heavy rains triggering forecasts of potential dangerous flash flooding.
Staying Vigilant
While Hurricane Ernesto may be centered hundreds of miles off the coast, its indirect effects serve as a stark reminder of the sheer reach of these powerful storms. As the planet warms, the incidence of such disruptive weather events is expected to rise, requiring increasingly proactive measures and vigilant responses.
