Tropical Storm Ernesto strengthened overnight into a Category 2 storm and is on a path directly toward Bermuda, according to the National Hurricane Center’s latest forecast. The storm is expected to continue to intensify and could briefly become a major hurricane on Friday.

The forecast has the storm remaining well off the U.S. east coast but forecasters warned of life-threatening surf and rip currents. Hurricane warnings are posted on the island of Bermuda, where the tropical storm-force winds were already being felt Friday morning. Destructive winds and flooding forecast through the weekend and forecasters advised residents on the island to rush preparations to completion. After passing Bermuda, the storm is forecast to speed up and pass over Newfoundland, Canada, as a tropical storm.

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