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Hurricane Ernesto expected to become major hurricane by Friday, NHC says

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Updated  August 14, 2024 11:53pm EDT
Hurricanes
FOX 35 Orlando

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Hurricane Ernesto formed Wednesday morning north of Puerto Rico in the Caribbean. It is expected to strengthen into a major hurricane by Friday before it passes "very near" to Bermuda, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) said in its latest update. 

As of 11 p.m., Hurricane Ernesto was located about 175 miles northeast of Grand Turk Island and about 690 miles south-southwest of Bermuda. It was moving toward the northwest at 16 mph and had maximum sustained winds of 80 mph.

Hurricane Ernesto expected to strengthen

Hurricane Ernesto formed Wednesday morning north of Puerto Rico in the Caribbean. It is expected to strengthen into a major hurricane by Friday before it passes "very near" to Bermuda, the National Hurricane Center said in its latest update.

Hurricane Ernesto expected to strengthen

Hurricane Ernesto formed Wednesday morning north of Puerto Rico in the Caribbean. It is expected to strengthen into a major hurricane by Friday before it passes "very near" to Bermuda, the National Hurricane Center said in its latest update.

The Category 1 hurricane is expected to continue to strengthen and could become a major hurricane by Friday, forecasters said. 

A turn toward the north is expected on Thursday, followed by a slower northward to northeastward motion on Friday and Saturday. On the forecast track, the NHC said the center of Ernesto is expected to pass near Bermuda on Saturday.

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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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