Ernesto To Bring Strong Rip Currents, Waves To VA Shores: Latest Timing, Impacts

VIRGINIA — Beachgoers should keep their eyes on the forecast in the coming days as Hurricane Ernesto is expected to bring strong rip currents and high waves to Virginia shores this weekend. Rainfall is also expected in some parts of the state, according to forecasters.

Ernesto dropped torrential rain on Puerto Rico and knocked out power for nearly half of all customers in the U.S. territory Wednesday as it threatened to strengthen into a major hurricane en route to Bermuda.

As of Thursday morning, the category 1 storm was over open water about 675 miles south-southwest of Bermuda with maximum sustained winds of 85 mph. The system was moving northwest at 16 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Forecasters said Ernesto is expected to move north through the Atlantic Ocean before turning to the northeast in the coming days.

While Ernesto is expected to stay well offshore, swells generated by the storm are expected to reach Virginia in the coming days, creating dangerous conditions and waves as high as 10 to 14 feet along the beaches of the U.S. Mid-Atlantic and Northeast coast.

"Beachgoers should be aware of a significant risk of life-threatening surf and rip currents, and stay out of the water if advised by lifeguards,” the National Hurricane Center said.

According to the Capital Weather Gang, parts of Northern Virginia could see a rainy weekend following last week's lashing by Hurricane Debby.

"Showers and thunderstorms are likely to scatter across the area both Saturday and Sunday. The bulk of the showers should occur during the afternoon or evening on both days," the Capital Weather Gang said in its Thursday forecast. "Monday brings conditions similar to the weekend before rain chances fade on Tuesday."

Here's a look at the detailed NWS forecast through this weekend:

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 87. North wind around 5 mph.

Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 66. Light and variable wind.

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. Light southwest wind becoming south 5 to 9 mph in the morning.

Friday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. South wind around 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Saturday: A chance of showers before 11am, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 11am and 2pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 88. South wind around 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Saturday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 2am, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Sunday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 85. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Sunday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 8pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8pm and 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.