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Indian Express
10 hours ago
- Climate
- Indian Express
Why Hurricane Erin is one of the fastest-strengthening storms seen in the Atlantic
Hurricane Erin, the first major storm of the 2025 Atlantic season, has stunned forecasters by intensifying at a pace rarely seen in recorded history. In just over 24 hours, the system leapt from a Category 1 hurricane with 75 mile-per-hour winds to a Category 5 with near-160 mile-per-hour winds, according to the National Hurricane Center. Meteorologists say that rate of intensification ranks among the fastest ever observed in the Atlantic, and possibly the quickest before September. BREAKING: Hurricane Erin reintensifies to a Category 4 storm, pelting parts of the Caribbean, and is forecast to create dangerous surf and rip currents along the U.S. East Coast this week. — The Associated Press (@AP) August 18, 2025 On Monday, Erin was located nearly 1,555 km south-southeast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. According to BBC, its tropical storm-force winds extended out 230 miles from the center, making it a sprawling storm system that forecasters expect could double or even triple in size over the next few days. Meteorologists say Erin's growth has been astonishing. In just over 24 hours, the storm surged from a Category 1 hurricane with 75 mph winds to a Category 5 with near-160 mph winds by Saturday night. This makes it one of the fastest-strengthening hurricanes ever recorded in the Atlantic, and possibly the quickest intensification on record before September 1, CNN reported. 'It explosively deepened and intensified,' NHC director Mike Brennan said, noting how the storm 'barrelled toward the Caribbean' before slowing and expanding in size. Hurricane Erin is not expected to make landfall in the United States. The storm is currently passing north of Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, with tropical storm warnings in place for Turks and Caicos islands. Rainfall of up to 15 cm has been forecast, raising the risk of flash floods and landslides. On its current track, Erin is forecast to veer north of Puerto Rico, then curving north-northeast into the open Atlantic between the East Coast and Bermuda. Even without reaching land, Hurricane Erin will bring hazards to coastal communities, forecasters say. Dangerous surf and rip currents will begin affecting southern US beaches on Monday, spreading to Florida and mid-Atlantic states later in the week, he added. Bermuda and the Bahamas are also expected to see heavy rainfall and hazardous swells. Because of gale-force winds, the US Coast Guard has restricted vessel movements at ports on St Thomas and St John in the US Virgin Islands, as well as six municipalities in Puerto Rico, including San Juan, reported BBC. Dare County in North Carolina, where the Outer Banks are located, had issued a local state of emergency, which included a mandatory evacuation order for Hatteras Island. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has predicted an 'above normal' Atlantic hurricane season this year. Scientists warn that climate change is fueling frequent and more intense storms, with Category 4 and 5 hurricanes forming at a faster pace.
Time of India
a day ago
- Climate
- Time of India
Hurricane Erin 2025 turns deadly? NHC's urgent warning of flash food, heavy rainfall as these US states are at risk
Erin rapidly strengthened into Category 5 hurricane over the Atlantic Ocean Saturday before weakening slightly to a Category 4 status. But Erin remained a "formidable" storm while it underwent a process known as an "eyewall replacement cycle," the National Hurricane Center said. US National Hurricane Center director Mike Brennan told a briefing that the "extremely powerful" hurricane had "explosively deepened and intensified" overnight after growing from tropical storm strength on Friday. Erin is expected to pass north of the Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico this weekend, bringing up to 6in (15cm) of rain, with potential for flash flooding and mudslides, with maximum sustained winds of 160mph (260km/h) that are expected to strengthen. Next week, Hurricane Erin is forecast to move gradually northward, past the east of the Bahamas and up towards the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Florida and mid-Atlantic states will see the most dangerous surf conditions, Brennan said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Undo ALSO READ: $5,108 Social Security August payment arriving next week: Are you getting the amount this month? Check exceptions Hurricane Erin 2025: Current status Hurricane Erin underwent rapid intensification, in which a storm strengthens by at least 34mph in a 24-hour period. It started as a tropical wave off West Africa, classified as a tropical storm last week, on August 11, before it underwent rapid intensification. Live Events The first hurricane of the 2025 Atlantic season, it is not currently forecast to make landfall in the mainland US. In just 25 hours—from early August 15 to the morning of August 16—the storm exploded from a weak hurricane into a ferocious Category 5, with winds surging to 160 mph in a rare and dangerously rapid burst of intensification. Erin, which grew from a tropical storm into a hurricane on Friday, is the first hurricane of the 2025 Atlantic season. Erin is not currently forecast to impact the United States, but meteorologists continue to watch it closely. One of the fastest intensifying storms on record, Erin is the earliest Category 5 hurricane ever observed in the open Atlantic. "Major Hurricane #Erin passing to the north of Puerto Rico. Tropical Storm Warning has been issued for the Turks and Caicos Islands. Here are the 5 am AST Key Messages," the NHC said. ALSO READ: Influencer couple miss flight after ChatGPT advice: How a small mistake turned their dream vacation into a nightmare Heavy rainfall in Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico today The NHC in its latest weather advisory said heavy rainfall is expected to continue across the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico today. Locally considerable flash and urban flooding, along with landslides or mudslides, are possible, it said. — NHC_Atlantic (@NHC_Atlantic) "Tropical storm conditions are expected in the Turks and Caicos Islands and are possible in the Southeast Bahamas tonight and Monday. Gusts to tropical storm force are possible in Erin's outer rainbands in portions of Puerto Rico today and the central Bahamas on Monday and Tuesday," the NHS warned. "Erin is expected to produce life-threatening surf and rip currents along the beaches of the Bahamas, much of the east coast of the U.S., Bermuda, and Atlantic Canada during the next several days," the advisory read. "Interests along the North Carolina and Mid- Atlantic coasts, and Bermuda should monitor the progress of Erin as there is a risk of strong winds associated with the outer rainbands during the middle part of the week," the NHS warned. ALSO READ: US fitness star, bodybuilder Hayley McNeff shared awe-inspiring message before her 'unexpected' death at 37 Hurricane Erin: These US states are at risk Even if Hurricane Erin 2025 doesn't make landfall in the United States of America, it still poses significant threats to parts of the East Coast: The Outer Banks in North Carolina face the greatest danger due to their narrow, exposed shape, leaving them highly vulnerable to pounding surf, deadly rip currents, and potential coastal flooding. Long Island, New York, with its extensive coastline, is also at risk of stronger waves and storm surge—even if Hurricane Erin never makes landfall. Meanwhile, the jutting peninsula of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, sits directly in the path of rough surf and possible flooding. Although the Mid-Atlantic and Northern New England coasts are less exposed, forecasters warn they could still see rising swells and flooding threats. Experts caution that Hurricane Erin's outer bands may generate life-threatening surf, rip currents, and significant beach erosion all along the East Coast—from Florida to Maine—in the days ahead. ALSO READ: Mega-tsunami warning: Could a single earthquake drown Seattle and Portland within minutes? New research raises alarm Hurricane Erin 2025: Important safety tips Be informed by receiving alerts, warnings, and public safety information before, during, and after emergencies. Know Your Zone. Learn if you live in a hurricane evacuation zone. Find out whether your property is in a flood-prone or high-risk area. Explore the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) flood maps. Create and review your family emergency plan. If you live or work in a flood zone, hurricane evacuation zone, or an area that is prone to flooding, you should be prepared to evacuate. If you receive medical treatment or home health care services, work with your medical provider to determine how to maintain care and service if you are unable to leave your home or have to evacuate during. Assemble an emergency kit. Follow instructions from public safety officials. Prepare for possible power outages. Ensure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working and have fresh batteries. Consider purchasing a generator to provide power during an outage. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and learn how to use it safely before an outage. If you have life-support devices or other medical equipment or supplies which depend on electricity, notify your utility and work with your medical provider to prepare for power outages. Make a record of your personal property by taking photos or videos of your belongings. Store these records in a safe place. Prepare your home. Consider attaching temporary plywood covers to protect windows and sliding doors. If you live in a coastal community, review the Homeowner's Handbook to Prepare for Coastal Hazards. Flood losses are not typically covered under renter and homeowner's insurance policies. Consider purchasing flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (Noaa), the US government's primary weather agency, has predicted an "above normal" Atlantic hurricane season this year. The number of tropical storms that reach category four and five is projected to increase due to global warming.
The Herald Scotland
a day ago
- Climate
- The Herald Scotland
Hurricane Erin may bring dangerous surf from Florida to New England
AccuWeather senior meteorologist Dan Pydynowski told USA TODAY dangerous surf conditions could reach as far as New England beaches, even as the hurricane is expected to avoid making landfall. Graphics: How rip currents endanger swimmers Safety: Rip currents kill dozens every year. What to do if you get caught in one The late-summer weather might seem ideal for a beach trip, but these conditions are when rip current fatalities tend to occur, said National Hurricane Center Director Mike Brennan. Rip currents might not be visible from shore, and they can appear suddenly. Beachgoers should swim near lifeguards and pay attention to warnings. Rip currents are fast-moving channels of water that flow away from shore. In doing so, the currents drag swimmers out into open waters. People can then become exhausted and drown. The narrow, strong currents flow quickly, faster at times than an Olympic swimmer, and perpendicular to the coastline. Rip currents cause the majority of deaths among beach swimmers each year, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Of 52 identified surf zone deaths in 2025 to date, nearly half were caused by rip currents. Since 2010, over 800 people have died in rip current drownings. What to do if you get caught in a rip current If you get caught in a rip current, the best thing to do is remain calm. Currents won't pull you underwater, but away from shore. So people shouldn't swim against the current, which puts them at risk of tiring out. Instead, people should swim parallel to shore and then swim back at an angle when you're free of the rip current. What if others are caught in a rip current? Plenty of people drown trying to save others caught in a rip current. If someone is struggling, NOAA's Rip Current Survival Guide recommends you try to get help from a lifeguard. You can also throw a floatable device to the person who needs it while you get a lifeguard. But amid a nationwide shortage of lifeguards, if there isn't a lifeguard present, call 911. Try to direct the person to swim parallel to shore to get out of the rip current.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Climate
- Time of India
Hurricane Erin intensifies into category five storm: Know pathways, meaning and more
Image credits: X Hurricane Erin has rapidly intensified into a rare category five hurricane, packing maximum sustained winds of 160mph (260km/h) and is expected to gain even more strength. Mike Brennan, National Hurricane Center Director, said in a briefing that the "extremely powerful" storm had "explosively deepened and intensified" overnight after growing from a tropical storm on Friday. Hurricane Erin: Pathways Image credits: X The hurricane is in the Caribbean, and expected to pass north of the Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, Hispaniola and the Turks and Caicos Islands this weekend, bringing up to 15 cm of rain with potential for flash floods and mudslides. It is currently not forecast to make landfall on the mainland US. The NHC said earlier on Saturday that the hurricane's swells will spread to the Bahamas, Bermuda and the East coast of the United States, including Florida and Atlantic Canada early next week. The hurricane is expected to bring dangerous conditions to offshore waters and beaches along the Florida coast from August 18-21, including rip currents and rough, high surf with breakers greater than 7 feet on the 19th and 20th, according to the weather service office in Jacksonville, Florida. Hurricane Erin: What is a Category Five storm? Image credits: X A hurricane's sustained wind speed on a scale of 1-5 is rated on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. This scale estimates potential property damage as well. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Could This NEW Collagen Blend Finally Reduce Your Cellulite? Vitauthority Learn More Undo While category 1 and 2 storms are still dangerous, those reaching 3 and above are considered major for their potential of loss of life and property. A category five storm has winds at the speed of 157mph or higher, leading to catastrophic damage. Homes can be destroyed, trees and power poles can fall, power outages can last for weeks and most of the area can be uninhabitable for months after such a storm.
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Climate
- Indian Express
Hurricane Erin, first hurricane of 2025 Atlantic season, intensifies to Category 5 storm
Hurricane Erin, the first hurricane of the 2025 Atlantic season, has rapidly intensified into a Category 5 storm with maximum sustained winds of 260 km/h and is expected to gain further strength, the US National Hurricane Center (NHC) said on Saturday. The storm was about 285 km northeast of San Juan, Puerto Rico. According to National Hurricane Center Director Mike Brennan, the 'extremely powerful' Hurricane Erin had 'explosively deepened and intensified' overnight after growing from a tropical strom strength on Friday. Erin went from a Category 1 storm on Friday with a wind speed of 120 km/h to a Category 5 storm with nearly 260 km/h winds in just over 24 hours. Category 5 Hurricane #Erin Key Messages for the 5pm advisory on 8/16: A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for the Turks and Caicos Islands. Erin is expected to grow in size. Life-threatening surf and rip currents are expected along U.S. east coast beaches beginning Monday… — National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) August 16, 2025 As of now, Hurricane Erin is in the Caribbean Islands and is expected to pass along the north region of Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico this weekend, which could bring up to 15 cm of rain, with a threat of flash flood and mudslides, BBC reported. Hurricane Erin, dubbed as the first hurricane of the 2025 Atlantic season, is currently not forecast to make landfall in the mainland United States. The NHC has stated that swells created by Erin could affect portions of the northern Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Hispaniola and the Turks and Caicos Islands. In the next week, Hurricane Erin is expected to move gradually northward, to the east of the Bahamas and towards the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Florida and mid-Atlantic states could witness most dangerous surf conditions. Bermuda could also see 'life-threatening' surf conditions and heavy rainfall, Brennan said.
