Ernesto will track south of the Maritimes on Monday

Hurricane Ernesto will track well south of the Maritimes as it moves through the region on Sunday night and Monday.

In fact, it’s looking very likely that the centre of the storm will track southeast of Sable Island. 

A track this far south means that the heaviest rainfall and strongest winds will also remain offshore. 

That said, Ernesto will be rather large and some of the outer bands of rain may edge into the Maritimes on Monday. Given the tropical nature of the air, we’ll see the potential for some heavy downpours across Nova Scotia, southern New Brunswick and P.E.I. as well.

With the track offshore, the risk of any wind impacts is low for the Maritimes. 

What the Maritimes will see is pounding surf along the Atlantic coastline beginning Sunday, peaking Monday and continuing into Tuesday. 

Anyone going to the beach should be extremely cautious of the hazardous surf and greater potential for riptides. 

Newfoundland at greater risk for impacts

Newfoundland is looking more likely to see more direct impacts from Ernesto early next week. 

The centre of the storm may hit the southern Avalon Peninsula or remain just offshore.

Either way, there’s a higher possibility of both rain and wind impacts across southeastern Newfoundland on Monday and into Tuesday. Storm surge may also impact southeastern areas of the island.

A tropical cyclone information statement is in place for eastern Newfoundland.