Forecasters continue to watch Hurricane Ernesto.

The storm has been impacting the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

In a statement on Wednesday evening, the ECCC Canadian Hurricane Centre said it will begin tracking northward toward Bermuda Thursday night.

The hurricane is forecast to intensify into a category 3 level and generate large ocean swells that will begin arriving along the Atlantic Coast of Nova Scotia on Saturday.

“Increasingly hazardous surf and rip currents can be expected Sunday. Beachgoers and sightseers are encouraged to exercise caution.”

However, the forecaster said it is too early to know if any of the storm’s circulation will reach Nova Scotia. “There is a slightly greater possibility of Ernesto influencing weather over Newfoundland. Interests in Canadian offshore zones should certainly pay attention to this storm.”

An ECCC update is expected Thursday afternoon.