Hurricane Erin has rapidly intensified into a Category 4 hurricane, posing serious risks of life-threatening surf and dangerous rip currents along the eastern coast of the United States. The storm's impact is already being felt in the south-eastern Bahamas and the Turk and Caicos Islands, where a tropical storm warning is currently in effect. Although Erin is not projected to make landfall on these islands, it is anticipated to deliver significant rainfall, with totals reaching up to six inches (15.2 cm) in affected areas.
As the first hurricane of the 2025 Atlantic season, Erin underwent explosive deepening and briefly reached Category 5 status on Saturday. Although the storm experienced a temporary decrease in strength, it has since regained its ferocity. In Puerto Rico, the hurricane's high winds have left over 150,000 residents without power, as reported by local energy provider Luma. Fortunately, the company has conducted emergency repairs, and by Sunday evening, approximately 95% of its customers had their electricity restored.
The outer rain bands of Erin have started to affect the Bahamas, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC). While a direct hit is not expected, the country's Disaster Risk Management Authority has urged residents to prepare for potential impacts. Aarone Sargent, the managing director, emphasized the importance of knowing the locations of nearby shelters and identifying alternative options in case the first shelter reaches capacity. “These storms are very volatile and can make sudden shifts in movement,” he cautioned.
The NHC predicts that the core of Hurricane Erin will pass east of the south-eastern Bahamas today and will likely move between Bermuda and the eastern coast of the U.S. by mid-week. The agency has indicated that Erin will remain a large and dangerous hurricane during this period. The Outer Banks, a series of islands off the coast of North Carolina, are already preparing for the storm's effects, including heavy surf and high winds.
In response to the impending storm, authorities have issued a mandatory evacuation for Hatteras Island, warning that the main highway connecting Hatteras to other islands could become impassable. Forecasters have also raised alarms about dangerous rip tides that could impact the entire U.S. East Coast, urging residents and visitors to exercise caution as the storm approaches.
