Live Weather Updates, August 20: Tracking Hurricane Erin As Coastal Flooding Begins Swamping Homes
As always we have a complete forecast that you can constantly check out for updates, and below we're tracking the latest on Erin's impacts, preparations and closures, as well as other major weather headlines across the U.S. and beyond on this Wednesday, August 20.
(02:11 p.m. EDT) 'Four Corners High' In Place: Monsoons Soon?
From senior writer Chris DeWeese:
As our meteorologists told you a few days ago, the Desert Southwest has had an extremely lackluster monsoon season so far, with the majority of the Four Corners region receiving less than 50% of their normal precipitation for the 60 day period ending on August 11, 2025.
The region could see more monsoons soon, however, as a 'Four Corners High' pattern is now in place. Here's more from NWS Flagstaff:
(01:45 p.m. EDT) Heading Into Hurricane Season's Busiest Time
From digital meteorologist Caitlin Kaiser:
If Hurricane Erin and the two areas to watch in the Atlantic have you feeling tropics fatigue, you'll want to buckle up because we are heading into hurricane season's busiest time.
Typically we see two-thirds of Atlantic hurricane season activity between August 20th and October 10th. The peak day of the season climatologically is September 10th. Learn more about hurricane season's peak months here.
(01:28 p.m. EDT) Kilauea Expected To Erupt Again Soon
From senior writer Chris DeWeese:
Far away from Hurricane Erin, people are watching another example of nature's power. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, Hawaii's Kilauea volcano, located in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, is likely to erupt between today and August 23rd.
The prolifically-erupting volcano has already had 30 eruptions since last December, many of them quite spectacular. This morning, hundreds of volcano enthusiasts are already streaming the USGS live cams of Kilauea, waiting for the big moment.
(01:07 p.m. EDT) Extreme Heat Continues In Southwest
As a heat wave passes through, the National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat warning in a large area of the Southwest for the rest of this week. The affected areas include Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Phoenix, where extreme heat has been record-breaking this year. With temperatures expected to peak above 110 in some areas, cooling stations have been opened throughout the Las Vegas Valley and other parts of the southwest.
(12:47 p.m. EDT) Erin Is The Enemy Of Vacationers
From lead editor Jenn Jordan:
A family from Virginia thought they were settling into a relaxing Outer Banks vacation when Hurricane Erin threw their plans into chaos. Minutes after unloading their car following a full day's drive, a mandatory evacuation alert forced the Murrays to pack up and break the news to their young kids.
Instead of heading home, the family moved north to Kill Devil Hills, determined to ride out the storm and salvage what they could of their beach trip.
Even though they're farther away from the storm's path, they say they're still feeling some of Erin's wrath out in the Atlantic. Get the full details of the ordeal here.
(12:28 p.m. EDT) Surf Competition Is On Today, On Hold Tomorrow
From producer Carmen Molina:
The 63rd Annual Coastal Edge East Coast Surfing Championships (ECSC), considered the longest, continuously running surf contest, is making adjustments to the schedule.
The event hosts more than 850 surfers from dozens of countries and it kicked off today in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
On Thursday, the competition will be on hold, but other activities are still happening that evening.
(12:07 p.m. EDT) Check Out This Strong Rip Current
This video from Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, shows you why many beaches along the East Coast have banned swimming this week. You can clearly see a strong rip current, creating that frothy, white channel in the ocean. Rip currents will remain one of the big dangers of Hurricane Erin in the coming days, learn more about how to spot and survive them.
(11:48 a.m. EDT) Egrets And Lotus Flowers In China
From senior writer Chris DeWeese:
Birds and blooms: Two signatures of summer that will be sorely missed by the time winter comes. This photo, taken today in China's Jiangsu Province, captures a congregation of egrets (yes, that's what you call a group of egrets) playing among blooming lotus flowers in Hongze Lake Wetland. Looking at it is kind of like taking a deep breath. Enjoy.
(11:33 a.m. EDT) Erin's Impact on Sea Surface Temperatures Beginning To Surface
From meteorologist Jonathan Belles:
You can start to see the influence of Erin on ocean temperatures north of Puerto Rico and Hispaniola. There is a notable several-degree drop in water temperatures where Erin hit its stride over the weekend and became the season's first major hurricane.
Hurricanes utilize the difference in temperature between the steamy ocean and the chilly air at the top of the atmosphere to grow.
A major function of hurricanes is to remove the heat from the tropics and displace it toward the poles in the perpetual act of balancing the Earth's temperatures.
(11:19 a.m. EDT) Infrared View Of Hurricane Erin Via Satellite
From producer Carmen Molina:
This is an infrared view of Hurricane Erin via NOAA's GOES-East, showing the storm spinning off the East Coast this morning.
You can follow Erin's path here.
(10:57 a.m. EDT) Wildfire Smoke Cuts Visibility In Broward
From senior engagement editor Ron Brackett:
Drivers are being warned that visibility could be cut to 3 miles or less as smoke from fires in the Everglades blows into Broward County, Florida.
The Mile Marker 39 Fire has burned through 1,600 acres, and the Sawgrass Fire has burned 250 acres, according to the Florida Fire Service.
The National Weather Service warned that people unusually sensitive to particle pollution should consider reducing the time they spend outdoors and cutting their activity level.
(10:33 a.m. EDT) Traveling Today? Make Sure To Check Your Flight's Status
From producer Carmen Molina:
Hurricane Erin may lead to oceanic route closures, informs the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on its Daily Air Traffic Report. Also, low clouds may slow flights in Boston, Philadelphia, Seattle, New York (Newark, JFK, LaGuardia) and Washington, D.C.
(10:23 a.m. EDT) Head To The Swimming Pool, East Coast
From senior writer Chris DeWeese:
There's a very good reason why we keep seeing states along the East Coast banning ocean swimming today. As the latest Rip Current Risk map from the National Hurricane Center shows, the danger is high almost all the way up the coast, and, honestly, anyone who wants to take a dip should just find a swimming pool instead.
(10:08 a.m. EDT) Hurricane Hunters Find Stronger Erin
From senior meteorologist Jonathan Erdman:
An Air Force Reserve hurricane hunter mission just measured a peak wind of 114 mph a whopping 92 miles northeast of the center of Hurricane Erin. That measurement was taken at the level the plane was flying, not at the surface. But that measurement in addition to a surface pressure 6 millibars lower than the 5 a.m. ET NHC advisory indicates Erin is strengthening.
But since Erin's center and eyewall is forecast to remain offshore, the most significant aspect of the hurricane for U.S. impacts is the growing area its winds are covering, as we explain here.
(10:00 a.m. EDT) Jenkinson's Boardwalk Closed
From producer Carmen Molina:
Jenkinson's Boardwalk at Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey, closed its access to the ocean until further notice. As the conditions worsen due to the dangerous water conditions and rip tides from Hurricane Erin, the beaches could be fully closed as well, per their announcement posted on Facebook. Some of their events for this upcoming weekend have already been canceled for this week.
(09:51 a.m. EDT) Outer Banks Warning: Your Window For Evacuating Is Closing
A dire warning this morning from the National Weather Service for people still in areas like Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands. We've told you how we could see some of the worst coastal surges and flooding as the day progresses, so the window to evacuate is closing.
(09:37 a.m. EDT) 'Ash Devil' In Wyoming As Red Canyon Fire Rages
From senior writer Chris DeWeese:
Wyoming's Red Canyon Fire has ballooned to over 177 square miles in size, with 28% containment. As temperatures hit triple digits yesterday, a firefighter captured an incredible scene as an 'ash devil' (a dust devil dark with ashes from the fire) came into view. Watch it here:
(09:25 a.m. EDT) Two Other Areas To Watch In The Atlantic Besides Erin
From meteorologist Jennifer Gray:
Hurricane Erin is definitely the main feature to watch right now in the Atlantic, but don't lose sight on two more areas of interest that are right on Erin's heels. The National Hurricane Center is watching one area in the central Atlantic that is showing signs of potential development.
This cluster of thunderstorms could become our next tropical depression as early as later this week or this weekend. Regardless of development, it will create unsettled weather in and around the northern Leeward Islands by Friday.
The second area is just south of the Cabo Verde Islands and has a small window of opportunity to develop into a tropical system before conditions become more unfavorable in the next few days. The next name on the hurricane list is Fernand.
(09:20 a.m. EDT) New Jersey Beaches Ban Swimming
From senior engagement editor Ron Brackett:
With Hurricane Erin creating high surf and dangerous rip currents, New Jersey has closed at least 16 beaches to swimming.
"We don't want anyone in the ocean," Seaside Heights Mayor Anthony Vaz told the Asbury Park Press.
The National Weather Service warned that large, breaking waves of 5 to 8 feet are expected in the surf zone on Wednesday and 7 to 12 feet on Thursday.
"Conditions at all beaches will be very dangerous. Extreme caution is advised for any beachgoers," the Weather Service said in a tweet.
(09:00 a.m. EDT) No Swimming At New York's Southern Ocean Beaches; NYC Beaches Closed
From producer Carmen Molina:
Gov. Kathy Hochul directed the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to suspend swimming at Long Island ocean beaches due to flooding and rough surf conditions and potential rip tides resulting from Hurricane Erin.
Swimming has been restricted at Jones Beach, Robert Moses and Hither Hills State Parks through Thursday.
'The peak hurricane season is approaching, and we have strong preparations in place to keep people safe,' Hochul said.
In New York City, Mayor Eric Adams and Iris Rodriguez-Rosa, the parks commissioner, said Tuesday that city beaches would be closed for several days.
(08:29 a.m. EDT) Erin's Waves Crash Into The Outer Banks
While hundreds of residents and tourists evacuated North Carolina's Outerbanks on Tuesday, others got caught in some of the earliest flooding from Hurricane Erin. The combination of the storm and high tide sent waves surging into homes, hotels and Highway 12 - the only way in and out of those islands.
See it all in this video.
(08:15 a.m. EDT) Hurricane Erin Will Bring Impacts To Northeast, New England
From meteorologist Jennifer Gray:
While Hurricane Erin will stay well offshore, parts of southern New England and the Northeast will still feel impacts. Winds could gust as high as 30-50 mph at times along the southern parts of New England and the Northeast coast. High surf and coastal flooding will also be a concern as Erin's steady onshore winds will push water toward the coast. High surf advisories are in place along the northern New Jersey coast, extending northeastward to Cape Cod. Waves higher than 10 feet are possible just offshore.
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USA Today
27 minutes ago
- USA Today
Hurricane forecasters say another storm could soon follow Hurricane Erin
As Hurricane Erin heads out to sea, forecasters are also watching the next weather disturbance in the Atlantic, a tropical wave that could become Tropical Storm Fernand. As Hurricane Erin pulls away from the East Coast and heads out to sea, forecasters are also watching the next weather disturbance in the Atlantic Ocean, a developing tropical wave that could become Tropical Storm Fernand (pronounced fair-NAHN) in the days ahead. It's one of three developing systems the National Hurricane Center is tracking in the Atlantic on Aug. 21. According to the Aug. 21 morning report from the hurricane center, "an area of showers and thunderstorms associated with a tropical wave located a few hundred miles east of the Leeward Islands has changed little over the past several hours." The system is marked by the red "x" on the map below. However, the NHC added that "environmental conditions appear conducive for further development of this system, and a tropical depression is likely to form this weekend while it moves near or to the north of the northern Leeward Islands." If the depression's winds reach 39 mph, it would be named Tropical Storm Fernand, the sixth named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season. Active Atlantic but no landfalls likely "Although the Atlantic will stay active into the latter half of August, for now we don't see any significant land threats from the systems being monitored," noted WPLG-TV hurricane specialist Michael Lowry in his Substack post. As for the system that's likely going to be Fernand, Lowry said "the disturbance that'll be moving near and north of the Leeward Islands of the eastern Caribbean tomorrow (Aug. 22) has a high chance of development and will likely become our next named storm but will be turning quickly out to sea. Indeed, for now, the majority of computer forecast models suggest this system will eventually curl north, then northeast into the central Atlantic Ocean next week, potentially a threat to Bermuda, depending on when it makes that northward turn, according to a forecast from It's too soon to determine what impact, if any, the system would have on the beaches along the U.S. East Coast that have been battered by Erin. But before it heads out to sea, "it will bring squally weather and increased storminess to the northeastern Caribbean islands, including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, tomorrow (Aug. 22) and Saturday (Aug. 23) but isn't expected to develop until after it pulls away this weekend," he said. Will developing storm impact Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands? The system will first impact the two U.S. territories in the Caribbean: The National Weather Service in San Juan said "across the Virgin Islands, ponding of water in roads is anticipated with isolated urban flooding. For Puerto Rico, urban and small stream flooding are likely along the interior and northwest, with ponding of water elsewhere." Another system is out there Meanwhile, far out in the Atlantic, Lowry said the disturbance designated Invest 99L (orange x on the map) will be battling high wind shear for the next few days along with some drier air over the weekend, and anything that forms will likely be short-lived. The NHC agrees, noting on the morning of Aug. 21 that "showers and thunderstorms associated with a tropical wave located several hundred miles west-southwest of the Cabo Verde Islands show some signs of organization." "Environmental conditions appear marginally favorable for additional development over the next day or so while the system moves west-southwestward at around 15 mph, and a short-lived tropical depression could form. "In a couple of days, environmental conditions are expected to become unfavorable for further development," the hurricane center said. Third tropical system also being watched by NHC A small area of low pressure located about 1,200 miles southwest of the Azores (yellow x on the above map) is producing limited showers and thunderstorms on Aug. 21, the hurricane center said. "Upper-level winds are only marginally conducive for development while the system moves slowly eastward over the next couple of days." Quiet period ahead? Beyond these systems, "unfavorable upper-level wind conditions are expected to kick up this week over the Atlantic's Main Development Region, and the end of August and first week of September should be relatively quiet in the tropics," said Ryan Truchelut. Truchelut is the chief meteorologist at WeatherTiger, and works with the USA TODAY Network.
Newsweek
28 minutes ago
- Newsweek
Is Hurricane Erin Pushing Sharks Toward Shore?
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. After multiple shark sightings over the weekend, people in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, are wondering if Hurricane Erin is causing sharks to swim closer to the shore as the massive storm skirts by the United States this week. Why It Matters As of Thursday morning, Hurricane Erin was a Category 2 storm with maximum sustained wind speeds of 105 miles per hour. Earlier in its progression, Erin was much stronger, even reaching Category 5 strength over the weekend. Shark behavior is often a topic of conversation during hurricanes and tropical storms, as it's common for hoax photos and videos of sharks swimming in flooded streets to surface during hurricanes. Stock photo of a sign warning of a shark sighting at a beach. Stock photo of a sign warning of a shark sighting at a beach. Five Buck Photos/Getty What to Know On Tuesday, The Sun News reported that at least five shark sightings were reported near Myrtle Beach shores over the weekend. Coastal Carolina University marine biologist Erin Burge explained that although hurricanes can influence shark behavior, they are more likely to swim away from the shore. It is often the presence of fish, not storms, that brings sharks closer to shore. Shark sightings also begin to increase starting in September, as waters cool. In the interview with The Sun News, Burge said that increased shark sightings don't mean there are more sharks in the area. Instead, clearer waters caused by north and northeast winds allow beachgoers a better chance to see sharks that are already in the area. Despite the unlikelihood that Hurricane Erin is edging sharks closer to shore, National Weather Service meteorologists said people living along the East Coast, particularly North Carolina, can expect the storm's impacts to continue through the remainder of the week. The most dangerous impacts will be large waves and life-threatening rip currents, prompting meteorologists to warn people to stay out of the water until conditions improve. Wave activity likely peaked Wednesday night, NWS meteorologist Ryan Fucheck told Newsweek. "We are still going to continue to see waves around 10-plus feet, especially in the Outer Banks north of Cape Hatteras through Friday," Fucheck said. "As we get to the weekend, conditions will gradually improve." Myriad weather alerts remain in place along the East Coast as Erin continues to churn in the Atlantic, although most warnings have shifted north. What People Are Saying NWS Wilmington, North Carolina, in a coastal flood advisory for the Myrtle Beach area: "Low-lying roads and locations along the Intracoastal Waterway and adjacent tidal creeks may observe minor coastal flooding. Check with local officials for any road closures or impacts. Dangerous swimming and surfing conditions and localized beach erosion. Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water." The National Hurricane Center, in a public advisory about Hurricane Erin: "Swells generated by Erin will affect the Bahamas, Bermuda, the east coast of the United States, and Atlantic Canada during the next several days. These rough ocean conditions are expected to cause life-threatening surf and rip currents. Please consult products from your local weather forecast office for more information." What Happens Next Shark sightings are bound to increase over the coming months as ocean conditions make the areas closer to shore more appealing to the marine predators. Most shark bites occur because a shark mistakes the human for a fish or the human invades the shark's space, according to a report by the Florida Museum. To decrease the likelihood of a shark attack, people are urged against swimming alone and to remain close to shore, as sharks typically prefer deeper waters.
UPI
29 minutes ago
- UPI
SpaceX to launch Space Force spaceplane X-37B
SpaceX to launch X-37B space plane for the U.S. Space Force on Thursday from the Kennedy Space Center, In Florida at 11:50 p.m. EDT. File Photo by Staff Sgt. Adam Shanks/U.S. Space Force/UPI | License Photo Aug. 21 (UPI) -- SpaceX is scheduled to launch a space plane for the U.S. Space Force from Florida on Thursday night. A Falcon 9 rocket is set to launch the Space Force's X-37B space plane from Kennedy Space Center at 11:50 p.m. EDT. Meteorologists forecast a 65% chance for favorable conditions for liftoff, with improving conditions to 80% favorable as the window progresses, as they monitored any impact Hurricane Erin would have as it moves alongside the East Coast. "The very large Hurricane Erin will continue moving north and eventually northeast off the eastern coast of the US and out into the open Atlantic through the remainder of the week," launch weather officers wrote. "As it does so, it will leave behind a trailing trough and deeper moisture that will merge with a boundary dropping into the southeastern US. Prevailing flow will shift out of the west into Thursday, which will lead to the best coverage of afternoon and evening storms favoring the east side of the state including the Spaceport." The Boeing-made X-37B will carry out the missions, USSF-36 and Orbital Test Vehicle 8 as the Space Force attempts to test a new in-space positioning system. The mission will include demonstrations of a laser communications system and what the Space Force has hailed as "the world's highest performing quantum inertial sensor ever used in space." "OTV-8's quantum inertial sensor demonstration is a welcome step forward for operational resilience in space," said Col. Ramsey Horn, Space Delta 9 commander. "Whether navigating beyond Earth based orbits in cislunar space or operating in GPS-denied environments, quantum inertial sensing allows for robust navigation capabilities when GPS navigation is not possible." This is the sixth flight for the Falcon 9 booster; NROL-69, CRS-32 GP III-7 and Starlink groups 12-13 and 10-34 all used this booster.
