SOUTHEASTERN N.C. — As Hurricane Ernesto heads toward Bermuda, it will worsen weather conditions in the Atlantic Ocean, by proxy impacting the Carolina coast.
The National Weather Service of Wilmington has issued advisories containing high surf, dangerous swimming conditions, and minor overwash and erosion through Monday.
Ernesto is a Category 2 hurricane expected to pass over the island Saturday; some strengthening is possible ahead of its Bermuda landfall. As of Friday the storm was 225 miles from the island and traveling around 13 miles per hour. Swells from the storm will carry into local waters.
The NWS advises swimmers to be aware of coastal town advisories, such as in Oak Island where flags are flying red, indicating “do not swim in the water.” Even “distant hurricanes” can become fatal, NWS forewarns.
In the Cape Fear, waves are expected to be up to 7 feet through Saturday, with strong rip currents creating hazardous impacts. Anyone caught in a rip current should remain calm and not swim against it, but instead turn sideways to the shore to float or tread water until it pulls you to a break opening, then swim parallel to exit.
As well a small craft advisory is in effect through 5 a.m. on Saturday. These conditions are possible again Sunday night into Monday, according to NWS.
Ernesto could also affect inlets, as swells will be combined with outgoing tides. It’s a King Tide weekend, which happens during a full or new moon, so tides will also be exceptionally high upon rising and exceptionally low upon receding. This will affect low-lying areas; downtown Wilmington can expect some minor flooding.
A coastal flood advisory remains in effect in the region due to Tropical Storm Debby’s copious rainfall left behind last week. Rivers continue to recede from Brunswick to Pender counties, including the Waccamaw River near Longs and Northeast Cape Fear River near Burgaw.
There also could be some isolated wind gusts felt along the coast this weekend.
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