MARYLAND — Beachgoers should keep an eye on the weather forecast in the coming days as Hurricane Ernesto is expected to bring strong rip currents and high waves to Maryland’s coast this weekend. Precipitation is also expected in some parts of the state, according to meteorologists.

Ernesto dumped torrential rains on Puerto Rico on Wednesday, knocking out power to nearly half of the U.S. territory’s consumers. It threatened to strengthen into a major hurricane as it headed toward Bermuda.

As of Thursday morning, the storm was located over open water about 675 miles south-southwest of Bermuda with maximum sustained winds of 85 mph. The system was moving northwest at 16 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Meteorologists expect Ernesto to move north through the Atlantic before turning northeast over the next few days.

While Ernesto is expected to remain well offshore, swell caused by the storm is expected to reach Maryland in the coming days, creating dangerous conditions and waves up to 10 to 14 feet high on beaches along the U.S. Mid-Atlantic and Northeast coasts.

“Beachgoers should be aware of the significant risk of life-threatening surf and rip current conditions and should avoid the water if advised to do so by lifeguards,” the National Hurricane Center said.

According to the Capital Weather Gang, parts of Maryland could see a rainy weekend following the severe devastation caused by Hurricane Debby last week.

“Showers and thunderstorms are likely in the area on Saturday and Sunday. The majority of showers should occur in the afternoon or evening on both days,” the Capital Weather Gang said in its Thursday forecast. “Monday will see similar conditions to the weekend before rain chances taper off on Tuesday.”

Here’s a look at the detailed NWS forecast for this weekend:

Thursday: Sunny, high around 90. North wind around 5 mph.

Thursday night: Mostly clear, low around 73. Calm wind.

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high of around 91 degrees. Light and variable wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.

Friday night: A chance of showers after 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75. South wind around 9 mph. 30% chance of precipitation.

Saturday: Chance of rain and thunderstorms, especially after 2 p.m. Mostly cloudy, high temperature around 30 °C. South wind 13 to 21 km/h, with gusts up to 32 km/h. Chance of precipitation 50%.

Saturday night: There is a chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm, then a likely chance of showers and possibly thunderstorms between 8pm and 2am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 23°C. The chance of precipitation is 70%.

Sunday: Showers possible, then showers likely and possible thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, high around 30°C. Chance of precipitation 70%.

Sunday night: Showers and possibly thunderstorms likely before 8pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8pm and 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. 60% chance of precipitation.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.