Date added: Thursday August 31, 2006: 7pm EST

Ernesto takes aim at Carolina coast

By HurricaneNow.com
Correspondent Rob Hess

Could make landfall as Category 1 hurricane

After a week-long trek from the Caribbean, through the waters off Jamaica when it first reached hurricane strength, and a march across Cuba and into the Florida peninsula that weakened the storm, Ernesto is gaining strength as it approaches landfall in the Carolinas late tonight. TS Ernesto is about 100 miles south-southwest of Wilmington North Carolina and already bringing stormy conditions to Myrtle Beach and the Outer Banks.

Heavy weather still to come

Tornado watches are in effect for much of the area through the night. Storm surge, flooding and winds in excess of 70 MPH will make it a rough night for coastal and inland residents. At 7pm Et, our WeatherBug partners reported 24 MPH winds and heavy rain at Wilmington's airport.