This weekend marks the unofficial end of summer in many parts of South Carolina as kids head back to school, so a good spot on our beaches will be in high demand this weekend. But lifeguards in the area warn that Hurricane Ernesto in the distance will continue to create high seas and dangerous surf rip currents as families enjoy their last precious hours of summer.

As it moves toward Bermuda, Hurricane Ernesto will worsen weather conditions in the Atlantic Ocean, affecting the coast of South Carolina. Ernesto is a Category 2 hurricane expected to make landfall in Bermuda on Saturday, with some strengthening possible before Ernesto makes landfall. On Friday, the storm was 225 miles from Bermuda and moving northeast. The storm’s swell will reach several hundred miles westward to most of the U.S. Atlantic coast.

As Ernesto moves north, the storm’s strong winds will create large waves that will impact beaches from Florida to New England throughout the weekend. The waves will reach our beaches in the Lowcountry and Coastal Empire on Saturday and peak in the evening hours.

As a result, there is a high risk of rip currents across the region and this is likely to continue through the weekend as Ernesto’s surf remains strong.

Hurricane Ernesto will generate strong, long-lasting swells along the East Coast. The storm is expected to continue to strengthen as it moves north toward Bermuda, guided by the Bermuda High and a low pressure system to the north.

Waves of 1.5 to 2.1 metres are expected through Saturday, with strong currents that can be dangerous. Anyone caught in a current should remain calm and not swim against it, but turn sideways to the shore to float or tread water until you are drawn to a surf opening, then swim parallel to get out.

Ernesto could also affect bays as the swell and low tide combine. It’s a spring tide weekend, occurring on a full or new moon, so tides will be exceptionally high when rising and exceptionally low when going out. This will affect low-lying areas.

High pressure in the southeastern United States is bringing dry and mostly sunny weather. Despite plenty of sunshine, temperatures will be a degree or two cooler than normal due to a rare August cold front. High pressure across the region will also continue to bring in dry air, keeping dew points between 15 and 21 degrees Celsius, meaning it won’t be as humid outside.
You can always get all the information you need about the current status of tropical systems on the NHC website.