Ernesto will sail below Newfoundland, but will still pack a strong, wet punch

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 islandwill 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 theGander 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 aremostly 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 affectthe southern Avalon and Placentia Bay later Monday night.

Foote said the main wavesare 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 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.

Sign of a busy season to come

CBC meteorologist Ashley Brauweiler said Monday that waves could have a negative impact along the shoreline.

"This could bring some minor damage to areas that are cultural areas that are southwest facing," Brauweiler warned.

She said overnight offshorewinds could be clocked at approximately 100 to 110 kilometresper hour.

"All indications have been showing this hurricane season being pretty active and we've already seen that," Brauweiler told CBC Radio'sSt. John's Morning Show.

She added the peak time for Atlantic hurricane season activity is September, when the water is warmer.

"We'll have to wait and see, but you know, all things are pointing to an active hurricane season," she said.

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