High surf and life-threatening rip currents continue to present dangers along the entire East Coast as Ernesto, once a hurricane, has now been downgraded to a tropical storm. The storm initially battered the Caribbean island of Bermuda, causing power outages and flooding, but fortunately, the territory escaped major damages.

Ernesto, which is the fifth named storm and the third hurricane of this year's Atlantic season, made landfall in Bermuda early on Saturday, unleashing heavy rainfall and flooding certain parts of the island with 7 to 9 inches of rain. However, thanks to the territory's preparedness and swift response, major damage was avoided.

Currently, Ernesto is approximately 200 miles northeast of Bermuda, with winds reaching 70 mph. The storm is moving slowly, at a speed of 9 mph, but is expected to pick up speed as the day progresses. There is a possibility that the increased speed may result in Ernesto crossing the threshold of sustained winds of 74 mph, which would reclassify it as a Category 1 hurricane.

All tropical alerts associated with Ernesto have now expired, as the storm has moved far out to sea. However, the National Hurricane Center may issue a new tropical storm watch for southern Newfoundland later today as a precaution. Meanwhile, the U.S. East Coast remains on high alert for high surf and life-threatening rip currents over the next few days. A high risk rip current alert is in effect from Florida to Maine.

The National Hurricane Center has issued a warning, emphasizing the likelihood of life-threatening surf and rip current conditions along the Atlantic coast. This poses a significant risk to swimmers of all skill levels and should be taken very seriously.

Ernesto is projected to head towards the Canadian coast and the northern Atlantic by the middle of the coming week. By Monday night, the storm is expected to pass close to southern Newfoundland as a post-tropical cyclone.

While Bermuda has managed to escape major damage from the storm, the East Coast remains on high alert as Ernesto continues to pose threats due to high surf and dangerous rip currents. Residents and visitors in the affected areas are advised to exercise extreme caution and follow any local authorities' instructions regarding safety measures.

As the Atlantic hurricane season progresses, it is crucial for coastal communities to remain vigilant and prepared for any potential severe weather systems.