Hurricane Ernesto has reclaimed its status as a powerful storm and is posing a significant threat to the East Coast. After being downgraded to a tropical storm on Saturday, Ernesto has once again strengthened, with maximum sustained winds reaching 75 mph, surpassing the Category 1 hurricane threshold.

Currently located approximately 520 miles south of Halifax, Canada, Ernesto is moving at a faster pace, heading north-northeast at 17 mph. While the storm is expected to intensify on Sunday, it is predicted to weaken back into a tropical storm by Tuesday, according to the National Hurricane Center.

New York City officials have taken precautions due to the dangerous surf and rip currents associated with Ernesto. Brooklyn and Queens beaches have been closed for swimming until the end of Sunday. Similarly, in New Jersey, beachgoers are being warned to watch out for rip currents and are advised to keep their feet on the sand until lifeguards are on duty.

The threat of coastal flooding is also a concern along the East Coast. In Atlantic City, officials have alerted residents and visitors about the potential for coastal flooding as high seas, exacerbated by Ernesto, could coincide with high tide after 7 p.m.

Tragically, two individuals lost their lives on Friday in separate incidents involving rip currents off Hilton Head, South Carolina. Ralph Jamieson, 65, and Leonard Schenz, 73, were the victims of these incidents. While it is yet unclear if Ernesto can be directly blamed, it is worth noting that Hilton Head is known to experience rip currents year-round.

The North Carolina coast, specifically from Newport to Morehead City, is currently under a National Weather Service forecast of life-threatening rip currents. A similar forecast extends from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, to Wilmington, North Carolina.

Wave heights ranging from 5 to 6 feet have been measured by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration buoys along the coast, spanning from North Carolina to Rhode Island. This further heightens concerns about the dangers of the surf and rip currents.

The hurricane center has issued advisories for coastal flooding, affecting an estimated ten million people. These advisories are put in place when moderate to major coastal flooding is either happening or imminent.

As Hurricane Ernesto continues to move closer to the East Coast, it remains vital for residents and visitors in the affected regions to stay updated with the latest weather reports and follow the guidance of local authorities to ensure their safety.