Erin has intensified into a Category 3 hurricane as it moves through the Caribbean, according to the latest report from the National Hurricane Center (NHC). As of early Saturday, the storm was located approximately 170 miles (275 kilometers) northeast of Anguilla, boasting maximum sustained winds of 120 mph (195 kph). Currently, Erin is progressing west-northwest at a speed of 20 mph (31 kph).
While Erin is not expected to make landfall at this time, its strong winds are already impacting nearby islands. Forecasters have issued warnings of potential flooding and landslides in the region. The NHC anticipates that Erin could escalate to a Category 4 storm later today, although it is projected that the storm will eventually veer away from the continental United States.
Tropical storm watches are currently in effect for St. Martin, St. Barthelemy, and Sint Maarten. Rainfall amounts of up to 4 inches (10 centimeters) are expected, with isolated areas possibly receiving up to 6 inches (15 centimeters). The NHC has cautioned that “locally, considerable flash and urban flooding, along with landslides or mudslides, are possible.”
Hurricane specialist Michael Lowry has indicated that Erin is expected to make a sharp northeastern turn, positioning it between the United States and Bermuda. “All of our best consensus aids show Erin turning safely east of the United States next week, but it’ll be a much closer call for Bermuda, which could land on the stronger eastern side of Erin,” he stated.
Erin marks the fifth named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30, and is the first to attain hurricane status this year. According to Alex DaSilva, lead hurricane expert at AccuWeather, “Erin is forecast to explode into a powerful Category 4 hurricane as it moves across very warm waters in the open Atlantic. Water temperatures at the surface and hundreds of feet deep are several degrees higher than the historical average.”
This year's hurricane season is predicted to be particularly active, with forecasts suggesting the formation of six to ten hurricanes, including three to five that could reach major hurricane status with winds exceeding 110 mph (177 kph).
In anticipation of the storm, the U.S. government has dispatched over 200 personnel from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and other agencies to Puerto Rico. A flood watch has been issued for the entire U.S. territory from late Friday into Monday. Puerto Rico's Housing Secretary Ciary Pérez Peña reported that 367 shelters have been inspected and are ready to be opened if necessary.
The U.S. Coast Guard has closed six seaports in Puerto Rico and two in the U.S. Virgin Islands to all incoming vessels unless prior authorization has been granted. Meanwhile, officials in the Bahamas have also prepared public shelters as a precaution and are urging residents to closely monitor the hurricane's progress. “These storms are very volatile and can make sudden shifts in movement,” cautioned Aarone Sargent, managing director for the Bahamas’ disaster risk management authority.
