Hurricane Erin Affects Caribbean and US East Coast
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — Hurricane Erin is on its way through the Turkish Islands and the southeastern Bahamas on Monday, having already caused wind damage and flooding in the Caribbean. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) warned that Erin’s effects will be felt across the US East Coast later this week, potentially creating dangerous conditions at the beach.
Erin, which marked the beginning of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season as the first major hurricane, has rapidly intensified. Over the weekend, it escalated from a Category 1 to a devastating Category 5 hurricane, reaching wind speeds of 160 mph.
While it’s forecasted to stay east of the US, the storm’s repercussions will reach the North Carolina coast. On Sunday, Dare County officials issued an evacuation order for Hatteras Island, highlighting a countywide emergency due to life-threatening hazards along the coastline.
Travel disruptions were widespread, with closed ports and canceled flights as local authorities advised residents to brace for potentially dangerous effects from Erin, which brushed past the Caribbean islands.
According to the latest updates from the NHC, Hurricane Erin remains a significant Category 3 hurricane with winds at 125 mph, moving west-northwest at 13 mph.
The NHC noted that Erin underwent an eye wall replacement cycle, expanding the eye’s diameter significantly. This change might lead to fluctuating wind intensity as the storm evolves.
Notably, the hurricane is expanding, with hurricane-force winds extending 25 miles from its center and tropical storm-force winds reaching up to 205 miles away.
Brian Norros, a hurricane expert, mentioned that increased size might lead to decreased peak winds due to energy dispersion over a broader area.
Erin is expected to maintain its west-northwest path, though its speed will slow before transitioning northward over the next couple of days.
The heart of the storm is anticipated to pass through the Turks and Caicos Islands along with the southeastern Bahamas on Sunday night and Monday.
Currently, Erin is located approximately 275 miles north-northwest of San Juan and 165 miles east of Grand Turk.
A tropical storm warning is now in effect for the southeastern Bahamas.
The Caribbean has already felt the direct impact of the storm, with outer bands delivering powerful winds and heavy rain to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
The NHC predicted total rainfall amounts could reach 3-6 inches, and in some areas, up to 8 inches are expected.
In Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, flash flood warnings have been issued due to the storm’s northern trajectory.
So far, Tortola in the British Virgin Islands has received over nine inches of rain, with some parts of Puerto Rico reporting more than two inches. Local officials warned of potential landslides due to persistent rainfall from Erin’s outer bands.
Additionally, squall conditions with tropical storm-force winds may impact parts of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands on Sunday.
More than 150,000 outages have been reported across Puerto Rico as Erin struck the island, with officials working to address issues as they arise.
Conditions in the Turks and Caicos Islands, as well as the southeastern Bahamas, are expected to worsen with tropical storm advisories in effect through Sunday night and Monday.
Beyond the rain and wind, the large ocean swells generated by Erin will pose dangers to the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and parts of the Caribbean for several days.
Along the US East Coast, including Florida and New England, effects from Hurricane Erin will be felt, though a direct hit isn’t anticipated. Coastal areas must remain alert for hazardous surf conditions and large waves likely to reach 10 to 15 feet.
The Newport/Morehead City National Weather Service has issued surf advisories for the outer banks, warning of the destructive potential of these waves.
As Norros pointed out, a powerful hurricane injects an immense amount of energy into the ocean, impacting coastlines from the Caribbean all the way to Canada.
