Will Hurricane Ernesto affect NYC this weekend? Last resort, forecast

NEW YORK CITY – Hurricane Ernesto is expected to approach Bermuda later today and bring strong winds, a dangerous storm surge and life-threatening flooding. But will it affect the NYC area this weekend?

JUMP TO: LOCATION it PATH it BERMUDA it THE NYC IMPACT

Ernesto’s maximum sustained winds are 100 mph, making it a Category 2 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.

“Some strengthening is forecast over the next day, and Ernesto is forecast to be a major hurricane near Bermuda on Saturday and maintain hurricane strength through the weekend,” the NHC said.

A look at the spaghetti plot forecast track for Hurricane Ernesto. (FOX Weather)

Here’s everything you need to know about Hurricane Ernesto, including its location, latest track and impact on Bermuda and NYC.

Track of Hurricane Ernesto. (FOX Weather)

According to the latest advisory from the NHC, Hurricane Ernesto was located about 300 miles south-southwest of Bermuda and was moving on a north-northeast track.

The latest Category 2 hurricane threat to Bermuda comes after the strengthening storm hit parts of the Caribbean just days ago as a powerful tropical storm.

This chart shows the forecast track of Hurricane Ernesto. (FOX Weather)

The U.S. territories of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands felt the full force of the storm, including numerous reports of flash flooding, water rescues, power outages, and damage to homes and infrastructure.

According to the latest information from the NHC, Ernesto is expected to bring gusty winds and the potential for flooding rain.

This graphic shows the Hurricane Warning in effect for Bermuda due to Hurricane Ernesto. (FOX Weather)

The Bermuda Weather Service has issued a hurricane warning for Bermuda. A hurricane warning means that hurricane conditions are expected somewhere in the warning area and is usually issued about 36 hours before the arrival of a potential hurricane.

The NHC said Ernesto will produce total rain accumulations of 6-12 inches in Bermuda, with isolated maximum amounts of up to 15 inches. This rainfall is likely to lead to considerable life-threatening flooding, the NHC warned.

At this time, it appears that Ernesto will not have a direct impact on the continental US

However, large swells from Ernesto are expected to reach the East Coast later this week and into the weekend. High waves are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip currents on beaches.

Estimated wave height forecast. (FOX Weather)

“Ernesto’s winds are affecting portions of the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Bahamas and Bermuda. Waves are expected to spread over the East Coast of the United States today and continue into the weekend, and could reach parts of Atlantic Canada late. Saturday,” the NHC said Friday. “These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and current conditions.”

Storm in Puerto Rico

The US territories of Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands have been affected by the effects of Tropical Storm Ernesto since the storm moved into the region on Tuesday night and into Wednesday.

Numerous flash flood warnings were issued in Puerto Rico, including San Juan, where FOX Weather Correspondent Nicole Valdes sat down and gathered information about how the storm affected the island.

FOX Weather’s Steven Yablonski and Chris Oberholtz contributed to this report.