Ernesto near hurricane strength, approaching the Carolinas

16:00EDT
Ernesto strengthened significantly over the Gulf Stream and is now once again near hurricane intensity. Ernesto is about 75 miles from landfall on the North Carolina Coast. Currently a movement to the NNW will carry it inland to our west. However, tropical rains will reach the region and points south and west for the weekend. Flood alerts have been issued as far north as NYC for projected rainfall of 4 to 8 inches.

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After the effects of Ernesto this weekend, temperatures will cool off and skies will clear for the beginning of next week. While not in the immediate forecast, as we move into September, overnight temperatures will need to be monitored as frosts and freezes become more likely.