Hurricane Ernesto is cutting through the North Atlantic Ocean but a meteorologist says it won’t come to Newfoundland’s shores, though the southern part of the island will feel its impact.
Environment Canada has issued a tropical cyclone statement that covers the Avalon, Bonavista and Burin peninsulas, with rainfall warnings in effect for the southern Avalon and the St. John’s area. Ernesto will transition into a post-tropical storm as it passes the south coast.
Meteorologist Dale Foote with the Gander weather office said all indicators show that Ernesto won’t make landfall.
“We won’t know how close till actually it passes by tonight, but all indications are that it should stay offshore,” Foote told CBC News Monday morning.
Foote said the rainfall warnings are mostly for Monday night, although rain will start during the day.
Peak rainfall amounts are expected between 50 and 70 millimetres.
Shifting winds, high waves
Foote said the winds should start off easterly and then shift to northwesterly, blowing between 50 and 60 kilometres per hour.
“For August, that’s a lot of wind, but generally that’s what we’re used to with these storms going through,” he said.
He said offshore there could be waves as 10 metres that will affect the southern Avalon and Placentia Bay later Monday night.
Foote said the main waves are expected to arrive at low tide, which is after midnight. He said peak winds will hit around Tuesday at 2 a.m. NT.
“So there are waves approaching and pounding waves, but we’re lucky enough that it’s not not occurring at high tide. So we’re not expecting widespread damage,” said Foote.
Still, people should stay away from the southerly facing coasts, he said.
“Most people won’t be won’t be around the coastline at that time anyway. So we’re really fortunate that way.”
The department will issue another statement on Ernesto on Monday morning.
Download our free CBC News app to sign up for push alerts for CBC Newfoundland and Labrador. Click here to visit our landing page.
