US braces for Hurricane Erin's wrath: Flooding, landslides expected in Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico amid heavy rainfall
was downgraded to a Category 3 hurricane early Sunday, but still remains a formidable major hurricane. A
tropical storm warning
was issued for the Turks and Caicos Islands and winds and heavy rains lashed the
Virgin Islands
and Puerto Rico. Hurricane Erin has weakened to a category three hurricane as it moves towards the Bahamian Archipelago in the Caribbean.
Erin had max winds of 125 mph, the
National Hurricane Center
said in a 5 a.m. ET update. The next update is expected at 8 a.m. ET, according to ABC News. Erin, the first Atlantic hurricane of 2025, reached Category 5 status before weakening, with maximum sustained winds of 125 mph (205 kph), according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami.
Tropical storm warnings are in effect for the Turks and Caicos Islands as Erin's outer bands will graze the islands with heavy rain and gusty winds. Tropical storm watches are also in effect for the southeast Bahamas.
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Erin is still expected to slow down and begin turning to the north later today through the early work week.
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Hurricane Erin 2025 turns deadly? NHC's urgent warning of flash food, heavy rainfall as these US states are at risk
"Hurricane #Erin Advisory 24A: Erin'S Outer Rainbands Continuing to Produce Gusty Winds And Heavy Rains Across the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico," the NHC said in its latest update.
Live Events
— NHC_Atlantic (@NHC_Atlantic)
As of the latest update, Erin is located about 140 miles north of San Juan, Puerto Rico, or about 330 miles east-south-east of Grand Turk Island. It's moving west-north-west at 14 mph. The outer band of Erin is playing a crucial role in bringing heavy rainfall and gusty winds to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) says Erin is growing in size, with tropical-storm-strength winds extending 205 miles from its centre. Erin's current weakening is considered temporary, as the storm is expected to strengthen again after finishing its eyewall replacement cycle. These cycles are a natural part of a hurricane's life, causing brief weakening before re-intensification typically follows.
Heavy rains in Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico
More than 159,000 customers were without power in Puerto Rico as a result of Hurricane Erin on Sunday morning, according to Luma Energy, a private company that oversees the transmission and distribution of power on the island, reports AP.
Swells were also expected to affect portions of the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, and the Turks and Caicos Islands during the next couple of days, the NHC reported. The government of the Bahamas also issued a tropical storm watch for the Southeast Bahamas.
Flash flood warning issued
According to ABC News, "considerable" flash flood warnings have been issued for the US Virgin Islands. Between 3 to 6 inches of rain are estimated by radar to have fallen over St. John and St. Thomas, and between 2 to 4 inches have been reported for the northern sections of Puerto Rico.
Flood watches will stay in place across Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands through Monday morning, with outer bands of Erin still drenching the region. Isolated rainfall totals of 6 to 8 inches remain possible—enough to trigger sudden flash floods, dangerous landslides, and mudslides.
Erin will slowly turn north over the next few days thanks to the weakening Bermuda High and a cold front that will sweep through the East Coast to begin the new week. Scientists have linked the rapid intensification of hurricanes in the Atlantic to climate change. Global warming is causing the atmosphere to hold more water vapor and is spiking ocean temperatures, and warmer waters give hurricanes fuel to unleash more rain and strengthen more quickly.
(With AP inputs)
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Economic Times
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Local officials urge residents to follow evacuation orders promptly, secure homes, and avoid unnecessary travel. Emergency services are coordinating shelter availability, and the region's hurricane response infrastructure is on high alert. Power companies are pre-positioning crews, while local authorities have distributed sandbags to protect low-lying areas. Even though Erin is forecast to remain offshore, the storm highlights the broader vulnerabilities of coastal communities. Rising sea levels and increasingly intense storms mean that even near-miss hurricanes can trigger flooding, erosion, and long-term infrastructure damage. Economically, the Outer Banks—reliant on tourism—faces disruption. Hotels, restaurants, and local businesses could see cancellations and temporary closures. Emergency preparation costs, from sandbagging to road repair, add additional financial strain. For scientists and meteorologists, Erin serves as another case study in storm behavior. Rapid intensification events, large wind fields, and offshore but damaging storm surges are trends that warrant further research and improved early-warning systems. Residents and visitors should: Monitor updates from the National Hurricane Center and local authorities. and local authorities. Follow all mandatory evacuation orders without delay. without delay. Secure property, remove loose items, and prepare emergency kits. Avoid all ocean activities, as rip currents and high surf will persist. Stay aware of local road closures and potential flooding hazards. Preparedness is the best defense. Even storms that don't make landfall can cause significant harm if precautions are ignored. Hurricane Erin is a stark reminder of how even offshore hurricanes can produce dangerous waves, coastal flooding, and disruption across wide areas. With evacuation orders in place and waves potentially towering at 100 feet offshore, the Outer Banks and the broader East Coast must remain vigilant. Q1: How dangerous is Hurricane Erin in the Outer Banks? Hurricane Erin is producing life-threatening waves, rip currents, and coastal flooding risks along the Outer Banks. Q2: Are there evacuation orders for North Carolina residents? Yes, Dare County has issued mandatory evacuation alerts for Zone A on Hatteras Island due to Hurricane Erin.
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an hour ago
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Hurricane Erin now roaring dangerously — 100-foot wave threat looms over US; East Coast in peril
Hurricane Erin, a powerful Category 4 storm with 130 mph winds, is churning in the Atlantic and threatening the Outer Banks of North Carolina. While it is expected to stay offshore, Erin is creating life-threatening waves, rip currents, and coastal flooding risks. Highway 12 on Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands may become impassable due to overwash, and Dare County has issued mandatory evacuations for Zone A residents. Beaches and waters remain extremely dangerous, and local authorities urge residents to follow evacuation orders and prepare emergency kits. Even offshore storms can cause serious damage along the East Coast. Areas at risk: East Coast states brace for impact States on alert include Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and parts of the Mid-Atlantic, as residents brace for life-threatening surf, powerful winds, and dangerous rip currents. Authorities are warning coastal communities to prepare immediately, secure property, and follow evacuation orders if issued. Offshore models suggest waves could reach up to 100 feet, making conditions extremely hazardous for ships and small boats. Those living along the East Coast are urged to stay updated on official forecasts and avoid unnecessary travel near the shore. Live Events Erin Intensifies: A Storm to Watch Hurricane Erin has quickly reasserted itself as a Category 4 storm with sustained winds of 130 mph. Originating from a tropical wave on August 11, Erin rapidly strengthened, peaking briefly at Category 5 with 160 mph winds before slightly weakening due to an eyewall replacement cycle. Despite its offshore path, the storm's massive wind field—extending up to 230 miles—means its effects will be felt far beyond the storm's eye. The rapid intensification of Erin underscores a growing trend among Atlantic hurricanes: storms are not only becoming stronger but expanding their zones of impact, creating widespread hazards even for regions not directly in the storm's projected path. Coastal Hazards: Waves, Flooding, and Erosion Residents and visitors along the East Coast face significant threats. National Hurricane Center forecasts indicate waves could reach up to 15 feet , with some offshore reports suggesting swells near 100 feet in the open Atlantic. These waves are more than just a spectacle—they carry the real risk of ocean overwash, eroding beaches and threatening roads. Highway 12 on Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands is particularly vulnerable. Flooding and overwash may render the roadway impassable, isolating residents and complicating emergency response. Tropical-storm-force winds extending over 200 miles add another layer of risk, increasing the potential for coastal flooding, property damage, and power outages. For beachgoers and water sports enthusiasts, the storm brings life-threatening rip currents and unpredictable surf. Authorities strongly warn against venturing into the ocean, as conditions will be deadly even for experienced swimmers and boaters. Mandatory Evacuations and Emergency Preparations Dare County, North Carolina, has declared a state of emergency in anticipation of Erin's impact. Mandatory evacuations for Hurricane Evacuation Zone A—primarily Hatteras Island—begin at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 19. Local officials urge residents to follow evacuation orders promptly, secure homes, and avoid unnecessary travel. Emergency services are coordinating shelter availability, and the region's hurricane response infrastructure is on high alert. Power companies are pre-positioning crews, while local authorities have distributed sandbags to protect low-lying areas. Broader Implications: What This Means for the East Coast Even though Erin is forecast to remain offshore, the storm highlights the broader vulnerabilities of coastal communities. Rising sea levels and increasingly intense storms mean that even near-miss hurricanes can trigger flooding, erosion, and long-term infrastructure damage. Economically, the Outer Banks—reliant on tourism—faces disruption. Hotels, restaurants, and local businesses could see cancellations and temporary closures. Emergency preparation costs, from sandbagging to road repair, add additional financial strain. For scientists and meteorologists, Erin serves as another case study in storm behavior. Rapid intensification events, large wind fields, and offshore but damaging storm surges are trends that warrant further research and improved early-warning systems. How to Stay Safe Residents and visitors should: Monitor updates from the National Hurricane Center and local authorities. Follow all mandatory evacuation orders without delay. Secure property, remove loose items, and prepare emergency kits. Avoid all ocean activities, as rip currents and high surf will persist. Stay aware of local road closures and potential flooding hazards. Preparedness is the best defense. 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