Hurricane Ernesto Causes US Beach Closures and House Collapse Miles Away

Despite hundreds of miles separating Hurricane Ernesto from the U.S. Eastern Seaboard, the coastal areas experience significant impacts from this vast weather system. Dangerous rip currents have resulted in the closure of several public beaches during one of the last busy weekends of the summer season. High surf and swells from the storm have also inflicted coastal damage, including the collapse of an unoccupied beach house in North Carolina’s narrow barrier islands.

Widespread Influence of the Storm

According to Hurricane specialist Philippe Papin from the National Hurricane Center, Ernesto has a large footprint. The hurricane, which hit the tiny British Atlantic territory of Bermuda early Saturday, has sent seas and waves affecting areas from the central Florida Atlantic coastline to Long Island, New York. “That whole entire region in the eastern U.S. coastline is expecting to have high seas and significant rip current threats along the coast,” said Papin.

Understanding Rip Currents

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) defines rip currents as “powerful, narrow channels of fast-moving water” capable of reaching speeds up to 8 feet (about 2.44 meters) per second. These marine characteristics have led to precautionary measures in states like New York, where officials have closed ocean-facing beaches in Brooklyn and Queens for swimming and wading, citing a serious rip current threat and possible ocean swells of up to 6 feet (1.8 meters).

Advisories and Beach Closures

Public warnings extend beyond New York City. The National Weather Service also warned of potential rip currents at popular Delaware and New Jersey beaches, extending as far north as Massachusetts, urging swimmers to take “extreme caution” over the weekend. Likewise, in North Carolina’s Outer Banks, the National Park Service confirmed the collapse of an uninhabited house Friday night in Rodanthe, one of several communities on Hatteras Island. There were fortunately no injuries reported.

Damage and Desolation

The National Park Service reported that other homes in and near Rodanthe also appeared to have suffered damage. Rising sea levels complicate efforts to keep properties in place. They urged visitors this weekend to avoid the beaches and surf of Rodanthe, warning that dangerous debris might be present on the beach and in the water for several miles. A section of national seashore land north of Rodanthe was also closed to the public, with significant debris removal not expected until early next week when the elevated sea conditions subside.

Extended Impact of the Storm

The National Weather Service issued coastal flooding and high surf advisories for the Outer Banks through early Monday. It also warned of weekend threats of rip currents, large waves, or both extending north to Virginia and Maryland beaches and south along the coasts of South Carolina, Georgia, and much of Florida. In Bermuda, tens of thousands of utility customers lost power as the Category 1 storm arrived with heavy rains that were expected to cause dangerous flash flooding.

Despite the distance, the impacts of Hurricane Ernesto are wide-ranging, reminding us of the power of nature and the importance of preparation and caution during such events.