Rip current risk moderate along SC coast as Ernesto strengthens in open Atlantic [Video]

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC/AP) – Expect a moderate risk of rip currents Tuesday from the effects of Hurricane Ernesto, which is headed toward Newfoundland.

As of 5 a.m. Tuesday, the center of Hurricane Ernesto was located near latitude 47.3 north, longitude 50.0 west, about 150 miles east-northeast of Cape Race, Newfoundland.

Ernesto is moving toward the north-northeast near 36 mph, and an even faster motion to the northeast or east-northeast is expected during the next couple of days. On the forecast track, the center of Ernesto is currently near its closest approach to Newfoundland, and it should move into the open Atlantic on Tuesday.

Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 75 mph with higher gusts. Steady to rapid weakening is forecast, and Ernesto is expected to become a post-tropical cyclone Tuesday or Tuesday night.

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 45 miles from the center and tropical storm-force winds extend …