Hurricane Earl: U.S. East Coast could see dangerous rip currents this weekend with strong winds near Bermuda

CNN
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Strong rip currents could hit the entire east coast this weekend. Hurricane Earl It threatens Bermuda, engulfing winds of at least 90 miles per hour and can develop into a Category 3 storm.

A tropical storm warning is in effect for Bermuda, and winds in the area are expected to reach up to 118 kilometers per hour. National Hurricane CenterThe area was under hurricane surveillance, which was lifted on Thursday, but forecasters expect stronger winds on Friday, the Hurricane Center said.

And despite the storm being hundreds of miles away from the U.S., dangerous wave conditions and rip currents are “expected along the East Coast all weekend,” it said. National Weather Service Said.

The Japan Meteorological Agency warned that the hurricane could hit the East Coast.

“Hurricane Earl is truly a hurricane. The greatest coastal impact will be in the mid-Atlantic and northeastern Atlantic over the weekend,” the agency said.

In particular, these types of hurricanes can produce strong swells that release dangerous rip current To local beaches and coastal areas.

Forecasters for Wilmington, North Carolina, also warned that powerful swells from the hurricane could affect the area through at least Sunday, leading to “rough waves and minor coastal flooding.”

Earl is moving north-northeast at about 15 mph late Thursday, and rain in Bermuda is expected to reach 1 to 3 inches (25 to 75 mm) by Friday. According to the National Hurricane Center, the storm is already blowing sustained winds approaching 90 miles per hour, and the gusts are getting stronger.

“Reinforcement is still possible and Earl could become a major hurricane by tomorrow (Friday),” the Hurricane Center warned.

A major hurricane is defined as a Category 3 or higher storm. That means it can bring winds of at least 111 mph and cause significant loss of life and damage. according to weather service. A Category 3 storm can bring in winds of up to 129 mph.of Safar Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale Measures hurricane strength in five categories based on sustained wind speed.