Hurricane Ernesto Impact on US Beaches

HILTON HEAD, S.C. – Two men tragically lost their lives due to rip currents on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, as Hurricane Ernesto's effects were felt along the Eastern Coast. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office reported that a 65-year-old man died after being rescued from the water on Friday morning, followed by a 73-year-old man who succumbed to similar circumstances later that afternoon. Authorities warned that the rip current risk was high, urging beachgoers to heed safety instructions from patrols. As Hurricane Ernesto, a Category 1 storm, made landfall in Bermuda, its impact extended to the U.S. East Coast, prompting beach closures in New York City. Officials announced that ocean-facing beaches in Brooklyn and Queens would be closed for swimming over the weekend due to dangerous rip currents and potential swells of up to six feet. Mayor Eric Adams emphasized the importance of safety, advising residents to avoid the water during this hazardous period. The National Weather Service issued warnings for rip currents along the Atlantic coastline, affecting popular beaches from Delaware to Massachusetts. In North Carolina, the storm caused the collapse of an unoccupied beach house, highlighting the coastal damage associated with Ernesto. The National Park Service reported no injuries but noted that rising sea levels complicate efforts to maintain coastal properties. As the storm continues to move northeast, beachgoers are advised to exercise extreme caution, with lifeguards patrolling to enforce swimming bans. The heightened risk of rip currents and coastal flooding underscores the dangers posed by Hurricane Ernesto, which is expected to weaken as it moves further offshore.