Hurricane Erin intensifies, barrels towards Caribbean: 10 things to know
At the start of the storm, Hurricane Erin was gauged as high as a catastrophic Category 5 storm with a wind speed of 240 km/h but later was downgraded to Category 4 with sustained wind speed of 215 km/h. The earlier forecast had predicted Hurricane Erin to strengthen into this week.
Here's what to know about the storm:
According to the US National Hurricane Center in Miami, a stronger and bigger Hurricane Erin hit parts of the Caribbean and has been forecast by the agency to create dangerous surf and rip currents along the US East Coast this week. The storm reintensified to a Category 4 on Sunday, as it lashed parts of Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.
The forecast by the National Hurricane Center said Hurricane Erin is expected to bring tropical storm conditions to the Turks and Caicos Islands and the southeast Bahamas overnight into Monday. Erin is forecast to impact coastal areas, however, it isn't forecast to make a direct landfall in the mainland United States.
Due to the feared impact of Hurricane Erin, the US State of North Carolina's Dare County declared an emergency and ordered the evacuation of Hatteras Island on the Outer Banks from Monday onwards.
The swells generated by Hurricane Erin are expected to impact parts of the northern Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Hispaniola and the Turks and Caicos Islands for the next couple of days, Miami's hurricane centre has said.
Erin's outer bands affected parts of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands as power supply to over 147,000 people was knocked out in Puerto Rico, according to Luma Energy, a private company which oversees the electricity supply to the island.
Hurricane Erin has also raised concerns about wildfire risks if human-caused sparks ignite parched vegetation and strong dry winds fan the flames, Reuters reported.
Hurricane Erin has become one of the fastest rapidly intensifying storms in Atlantic history and scientists have linked it to climate change. Global warming is causing the atmosphere to hold more water vapor and is spiking ocean temperatures, scientists said, reported Associated Press.
According to Richard Pasch of the National Hurricane Center, 'You're dealing with a major hurricane. The intensity is fluctuating. It's a dangerous hurricane in any event,' AP reported.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the hurricane Atlantic season this year is predicted to be 'above normal', BBC reported.
Flood watches are expected to remain in effect for Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands till Monday morning. Rainfall due to Hurricane Storm is possible to the totals of between 6 to 8 inches.
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Economic Times
26 minutes ago
- Economic Times
Hurricane Erin now roaring dangerously — 100-foot wave threat looms over US; East Coast in peril
Synopsis Hurricane Erin, now a Category 4 storm, is barreling through the Atlantic, generating life-threatening surf and rip currents along the U.S. East Coast. While landfall is not expected, North Carolina's Outer Banks brace for high waves, coastal flooding, and mandatory evacuations. Hurricane Erin is barreling toward the US East Coast, bringing life-threatening winds, dangerous surf, and the potential for massive 100-foot waves offshore. Millions of residents along the coast are at risk, and authorities are warning everyone to stay alert and take precautions immediately. 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 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
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. 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. FAQs: 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.
NDTV
3 hours ago
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Hurricane Erin To Bring Dangerous Surf, Rip Currents To US Coast
Miami: A stronger and bigger Hurricane Erin pelted parts of the Caribbean and was forecast to create dangerous surf and rip currents along the US East Coast this week. It reintensified to a Category 4 storm with 130 mph (215 kph) maximum sustained winds early Monday and moved closer to the Southeast Bahamas, according to the US National Hurricane Center in Miami. Around 5 a.m. Monday, Erin was about 105 miles (170 kilometers) north-northeast of Grand Turk Island and about 915 miles (1,470 kilometers) south-southeast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. The storm was moving northwest at 13 mph (20 kph). The Bahamas government issued a Tropical Storm Watch for the central Bahamas, while a Tropical Storm Warning remained in effect for the Turks and Caicos Islands and southeast Bahamas, the hurricane center reported. Additional strengthening was forecast for Monday followed by gradual weakening, but Erin was expected to remain a large, major hurricane into midweek. Hurricane-force winds extended up to 60 miles (95 kilometers) from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 230 miles (370 km). The area of strong winds is expected to grow more over the next few days. At that size, Erin will impact coastal areas even though it isn't forecast to make a direct landfall. Dare County, North Carolina, declared an emergency and ordered an evacuation beginning Monday of Hatteras Island on the Outer Banks, the thin stretch of low-lying barrier islands that juts far into the Atlantic. Several days of heavy surf and high winds and waves could wash out parts of N.C. Highway 12 running along the barrier islands, the National Weather Service said. Erin, the year's first Atlantic hurricane, reached an exceedingly dangerous Category 5 status Saturday with 160 mph (260 kph) winds before weakening. "You're dealing with a major hurricane. The intensity is fluctuating. It's a dangerous hurricane in any event," Richard Pasch of the National Hurricane Center said. Erin's outer bands pelted parts of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands with heavy rains and tropical-storm winds during the day Sunday. That knocked out power to about 147,000 customers, according to Luma Energy, a private company that oversees the transmission and distribution of power on the island. More than 20 flights were canceled due to the weather. The Coast Guard allowed all ports in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands to reopen Sunday as winds and rains decreased. Rough ocean conditions were forecast for parts of the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Hispaniola and the Turks and Caicos. Life-threatening surf and rip currents were forecast into midweek for the Bahamas, Bermuda, the U.S. East Coast and Canada's Atlantic coast as Erin turns north and then northeast. 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.
