Hurricane Erin, a powerful storm sweeping across the Atlantic Ocean, is moving toward the Caribbean region.
The storm briefly strengthened into a rare Category Five hurricane yesterday, before weakening slightly to Category Three. It is now advancing toward the Bahamian islands.
According to the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC), maximum sustained winds near the hurricane’s center are around 125 mph (201 km/h). The storm poses threats of flash flooding and landslides in the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.
This is the first hurricane of the 2025 Atlantic season. Winds of hurricane strength extend outward up to 25 miles from the center, and Erin continues to grow in size.
On Saturday, the storm rapidly intensified, with its strength described as “explosive,” before weakening somewhat and curving northward — moving away from the U.S. mainland.
At present, Hurricane Erin is passing north of Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. Forecasts predict up to 6 inches (15 cm) of rain in the Virgin Islands and the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Authorities have also issued warnings for strong winds and dangerous rip currents in the Turks and Caicos, where swimmers risk being pulled far out to sea.
NHC Director Mike Brennan said Hurricane Erin will generate hazardous surf and rip currents along much of the U.S. East Coast, with Florida and the Mid-Atlantic states expected to feel the greatest impact.
The U.S. Coast Guard has restricted maritime traffic in six ports, including St. Thomas, St. John, and San Juan in Puerto Rico. U.S. forecasters have warned that this year’s Atlantic hurricane season is likely to be “above normal” in strength.
Source: BBC