Tropical Storm Ernesto Affects US East Coast

The National Weather Service has issued a coastal flood advisory and warned of high rip current risks along the Atlantic Coast, extending from Florida to the Boston area and parts of Maine. Meteorologist Mike Lee emphasized that these currents can pose dangers to swimmers of all skill levels, with conditions expected to remain hazardous through Monday evening. Recent incidents highlight the peril, including a fisherman rescued after being swept off a jetty in New Jersey and a tragic drowning in Surf City, North Carolina. As Tropical Storm Ernesto transitioned back into a hurricane, it generated powerful swells impacting the U.S. East Coast. The storm, with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph, is expected to weaken into a post-tropical cyclone by Tuesday. Ernesto previously caused significant disruptions in the Caribbean, leaving many in Puerto Rico without water and power. While LUMA, the national power company, has restored electricity to over 1.4 million customers, more than 60,000 remain without service. In the aftermath of the storm, public schools in the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico are set to resume operations on Monday, nearly a week later than planned. Flash flood warnings have been issued for parts of Connecticut and southeastern New York, with officials responding to emergency calls amid high water conditions. East Hampton Village Mayor Jerry Larsen noted that beaches were closed due to high tides, illustrating the storm's far-reaching impact even from hundreds of miles offshore.