Hurricane Erin Rapidly Intensifies To Category 4: A Look At Areas Bracing For Floods

Last Updated:August 16, 2025, 19:01 IST

Hurricane Erin is now a Category 4 storm with 145 mph winds, affecting the northeastern Caribbean with gusts, rain and dangerous surf.

Hurricane Erin is the first major hurricane of the 2025 Atlantic season, following four earlier storms- Andrea, Barry, Chantal and Dexter. (Image: AP)

Hurricane Erin has exploded in strength as it churns above the northeastern Caribbean on Saturday, delivering gusty winds, rain and dangerous surf to islands south of its path. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) said Hurricane Erin’s sustained winds reached 145 mph Saturday morning, making it a powerful Category 4 storm. In just 24 hours, Hurricane Erin’s winds more than doubled in speed, surging from a 70 mph tropical storm Friday morning to a major hurricane by Saturday morning.

As of the latest update, Hurricane Erin was located about 150 miles northeast of Anguilla. The storm is passing just north of the Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico while gradually turning north. No direct landfall is expected on the northeastern Caribbean islands, though tropical alerts remain in effect, warning of potential impacts.

Forecast And Potential Impacts

Hurricane Erin is expected to continue tracking north over the western Atlantic next week, likely staying away from the United States and Bermuda. However, forecasters caution that any shift in its path could change that outlook. Even without a direct hit, both areas may experience rough surf and dangerous rip currents.

Warmer-than-normal Atlantic waters are fueling Hurricane Erin’s rapid growth, with the NHC predicting further strengthening through Saturday. By midweek, the Hurricane Erin is forecast to double or triple in size, worsening ocean conditions across the western Atlantic.

Caribbean Conditions

The US Coast Guard closed the ports of St. Thomas and St. John in the US Virgin Islands, along with six seaports in Puerto Rico, to inbound vessels unless authorized. The storm is already producing rough seas, rip currents and periods of heavy rain across the islands.

Rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches are expected in some areas this weekend, with localized amounts up to 6 inches possible, raising the risk of flash flooding and mudslides.

Hurricane Erin is the first major hurricane of the 2025 Atlantic season, following four earlier storms- Andrea, Barry, Chantal and Dexter- none of which exceeded tropical storm strength.

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Location :

Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published:

August 16, 2025, 19:01 IST

News world Hurricane Erin Rapidly Intensifies To Category 4: A Look At Areas Bracing For Floods

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