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Hurricane Ernesto now a Category 2 storm, expected to strengthen as it passes near Bermuda: NHC

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Updated  August 15, 2024 11:00pm EDT
Hurricanes
FOX 35 Orlando

Bermuda-bound Ernesto now a Category 2 hurricane

Hurricane Ernesto strengthened into a Category 2 storm late Thursday evening. It is expected to strengthen before it passes "very near" to Bermuda, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC).

Hurricane Ernesto strengthened into a Category 2 storm late Thursday evening. It is expected to strengthen before it passes "very near" to Bermuda, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC).

As of 11 p.m., Hurricane Ernesto was located about 410 miles south-southwest of Bermuda. It was moving toward the north at 14 mph with maximum sustained winds of 100 mph.

The hurricane is expected to continue strengthening and could be near major hurricane status – a Category 3 or stronger – on Friday. Ernesto is forecast to be a "large" hurricane near Bermuda on Saturday. 

"This general motion is expected to continue through Friday, followed by a slower north-northeastward motion on Saturday.  A faster northeastward motion is expected later in the weekend," the NHC said. "On the forecast track, the center of Ernesto is expected to pass near or over Bermuda on Saturday.."

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Forecasters said warm waters and a positive interaction with an upper-level trough will likely allow Hurricane Ernesto to remain "powerful" as it nears Bermuda. 

A hurricane warning has been issued for Bermuda.

Will Hurricane Ernesto impact Florida?

There will be no direct impacts to Florida, but the area will see wave action at Atlantic beaches picking up, with 5-8 foot breakers, leading to deadly rip currents and long-shore currents.

"Beach goers should be aware of a significant risk of life-threatening surf and rip currents, and stay out of the water if advised by lifeguards," the NHC said. 

2024 Atlantic hurricane season names, pronunciation guide

  • Alberto (al-BAIR-toe)
  • Beryl (BEHR-ril)
  • Chris (kris)
  • Debby (DEH-bee)
  • Ernesto (er-NES-toh)
  • Francine (fran-SEEN)
  • Gordon (GOR-duhn)
  • Helene (heh-LEEN)
  • Isaac (EYE-zik)
  • Joyce (joys)
  • Kirk (kurk)
  • Leslie (LEHZ-lee)
  • Milton (MIL-ton)
  • Nadine (nay-DEEN)
  • Oscar (AHS-kur)
  • Patty (PAT-ee)
  • Rafael (rah-fah-ELL)
  • Sara (SAIR-uh)
  • Tony (TOH-nee)
  • Valerie (VAH-lur-ee)
  • William (WILL-yum)

If all of a season's names are used, an alternate name list includes an additional 21 names. Those names for the Atlantic season include, Adria, Braylen, Caridad, Deshawn, Emery, Foster, Gemma, Heath, Isla, Jacobus, Kenzie, Lucio, Makayla, Nolan, Orlanda, Pax, Ronin, Sophie, Tayshaun, Viviana, and Will.

When does hurricane season end?

Hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30 in the Atlantic, Caribbean, and Gulf of Mexico. 

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