Hurricane Ernesto churns toward Bermuda as Category 1 storm

Hurricane Ernesto is expected to strengthen into a major hurricane over the coming days as it travels north toward Bermuda, having left half of Puerto Rico's residents without power.

Ernesto had maximum sustained winds of 85 mph on Thursday afternoon, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Hurricane Ernesto has been fighting dry air on Thursday, limiting its ability to strengthen as it moves over open water north of Puerto Rico. The storm is still expected to be a large and powerful storm as it heads toward Bermuda. It is expected to gather strength through the coming weekend, possibly growing from a Category 1 to a Category 3 hurricane.

Hurricane warnings are in effect for Bermuda as the storm is forecast to track close to the island on Saturday.

Hurricane-force winds are expected for Bermuda, as well as dangerous storm surge capable of producing significant coastal flooding. In addition, rain totals of 4 to 8 inches are likely, with localized amounts up to 12 inches.

By Friday night, the storm is expected to approach Bermuda as a Category 2 hurricane with winds of up to 110 mph. Saturday will see conditions worsen, when the eye wall -- and the strongest winds -- may brush the island.

After churning past Bermuda, Ernesto is projected to continue north and brush the Canadian coast near Newfoundland. Damaging winds, high surf and heavy rain are expected early next week.

While Ernesto is forecast to stay several hundred miles off the U.S. East Coast, there will be an increased rip current risk for beaches up and down the coast in the coming days.

Beachgoers are urged to use caution and listen to instructions from local officials.

Florida will begin to see large waves roll in from Thursday night and into Friday, while the Carolinas and Northeast will see similar conditions this weekend.

Puerto Rico suffered flash flooding, storm damage and widespread power outages on Wednesday as Ernesto moved past the island. It brought almost 10 inches of rain to parts of the island. Half of all residents were without power Wednesday, with flooding and damage especially pronounced in the eastern part of the island.