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The Independent
2 days ago
- Climate
- The Independent
Hurricane Erin explodes in strength to a Category 5 storm in the Caribbean
Hurricane Erin has dramatically intensified into a Category 5 storm in the Caribbean, rapidly powering up from a tropical storm in just 24 hours, the National Hurricane Center confirmed on Saturday. The first Atlantic hurricane of 2025, its maximum sustained winds more than doubled to a formidable 160 mph (255 kph) by late Saturday morning. While the compact hurricane's core is not anticipated to make landfall, it poses a significant threat of torrential flooding rains across the northeast Caribbean as it continues to expand. Mike Brennen, director of the National Hurricane Center in Miami, described Erin as a "very powerful hurricane," noting its winds gained 60 mph (96 kph) in intensity within approximately nine hours on Saturday. "We expect to see Erin peak here in intensity relatively soon," Brennan said in an online briefing. The hurricane was located 105 miles (170 kilometers) north of Anguilla at about 11 a.m. Saturday, moving west at 17 mph (28 kph). The storm's center was forecast to remain at sea, passing 145 miles (233 kilometers) north of Puerto Rico, according to the National Weather Service. Erin was close enough to affect nearby islands. Tropical storm watches were issued for St. Martin, St. Barts and St. Maarten. The Hurricane Center warned that heavy rain in some areas could trigger flash flooding, landslides and mudslides. Tropical-storm force wind gusts are possible in the Turks and Caicos Islands and southeast Bahamas. Though compact in size, with hurricane-force winds extending 30 miles (45 km) from its center, the Hurricane Center said Erin was expected to double or even triple in size in the coming days. Erin could create powerful rip currents off the U.S. East Coast from Florida to the mid-Atlantic next week, even with its eye forecast to remain far offshore, Brennan said. Hurricane specialist and storm surge expert Michael Lowry said Erin gained strength at a pace that was "incredible for any time of year, let alone August 16th." The most powerful storms tend to form later in the year, with the hurricane season typically peaking in mid-September. In October 2005, Hurricane Wilma rocketed from a tropical storm to a Category 5 storm in less than 24 hours, according to National Hurricane Center advisories from that time. Wilma weakened to a Category 3 hurricane before striking Florida. Including Erin, there have been 43 hurricanes that have reached Category 5 status on record in the Atlantic, said Dan Pydynowski, senior meteorologist at AccuWeather, a private forecasting company. "They're certainly rare, although this would mark the fourth year in a row that we've had one in the Atlantic basin," Pydynowski said about Category 5 hurricanes. Conditions needed for hurricanes to reach this strength include very warm ocean water, little to no wind shear, and being far from land, he said. Scientists have linked rapid intensification of hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean to climate change. Global warming is causing the atmosphere to hold more water vapor and is spiking ocean temperatures. The warmer waters give hurricanes fuel to unleash more rain and strengthen more quickly. Storms that ramp up so quickly complicate forecasting for meteorologists and make it harder for government agencies to plan for emergencies. Hurricane Erick, a Pacific storm that made landfall June 19 in Oaxaca, Mexico, also strengthened rapidly, doubling in intensity in less than a day. Erin is the fifth named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to Nov. 30. It's the first to become a hurricane. The 2025 hurricane season is expected to be unusually busy. The forecast calls for six to 10 hurricanes, with three to five reaching major status with winds of more than 110 mph (177 kph). The U.S. government has deployed more than 200 employees from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and other agencies to Puerto Rico as a precaution as forecasters issued a flood watch for the entire U.S. territory from late Friday into Monday. The U.S. Coast Guard said Friday that it closed six seaports in Puerto Rico and two in the U.S. Virgin Islands to all incoming vessels unless they had received prior authorization. Meanwhile, officials in the Bahamas said they prepared some public shelters as a precaution as they urged people to track the hurricane. "These storms are very volatile and can make sudden shifts in movement," said Aarone Sargent, managing director for the Bahamas' disaster risk management authority.
Travel Daily News
30-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
Cape Air: Route expansions across the Northeast and Caribbean
Cape Air announces major growth with four new routes, enhancing Northeast and Caribbean connectivity, offering faster, convenient regional air travel options. HYANNIS, MA – Cape Air, one of the nation's largest commuter airlines, announce a historic wave of growth, expanding its network with new routes and improved regional connectivity that will redefine ease and accessibility for travelers across the Northeast and the Caribbean. With four new service launches and enhanced scheduling, Cape Air continues its mission to provide communities with convenient, reliable, and stress-free air travel. With these additions, Cape Air bolsters its position as a leader in regional aviation. By enhancing connectivity in the Northeast and Caribbean, Cape Air is creating a more convenient, faster, and more connected way for travelers to reach their destinations. All new routes are now available for booking. 'This is a significant moment for Cape Air,' said Aaron Blinka, Vice President of Planning at Cape Air. 'Each new route reflects our commitment to thoughtful, strategic growth – connecting more communities with smarter, more convenient travel options. Whether it's streamlining access to major hubs like Boston, offering new links to the islands, or expanding our Caribbean presence, this is Cape Air building the future of regional air travel. We're proud to be growing in a way that brings real value to our customers, partners, and the regions we serve.' Northeast Expansion: Connecting Communities Like Never Before New Bedford to Boston: Easy Access to the World Begins September 29 Travelers in Southeastern Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island now have a faster, easier way to reach Boston and beyond. Starting September 29, Cape Air will launch year-round twice daily flights between New Bedford (EWB) and Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), creating seamless connectivity to global destinations via Logan. Shorter TSA lines, inexpensive parking, and no city traffic Ideal for business and leisure travelers looking to avoid the urban hassle Flying from New Bedford Regional Airport (EWB) to Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) offers travelers in Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Southern Massachusetts a faster gateway to the world. Say goodbye to the stress of driving through Boston traffic or navigating crowded terminals. With Cape Air's new nonstop service launching on September 29, you can skip the gridlock, enjoy low-cost parking, quicker TSA lines, and be in Boston in under 40 minutes. Once at Logan, seamless connections with our various airline partners await. This route transforms international travel into a smooth, stress-free experience – saving time, money, and frustration. Whether traveling domestically or headed to Europe, Asia, or beyond, New Bedford to Boston is the smarter first step on your global journey. 'Cape Air's investment signals a strong commitment in both the New Bedford Regional Airport and the City,' City of New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell said. 'The prospect of getting to Logan without Boston traffic or waiting in a long security line is sure to attract customers, and with it, more interest, business, and economic momentum to our airport.' 'By adding New Bedford to Boston, we're putting global travel within 30 minutes of the South Coast,' said Linda Markham, Cape Air President & CEO. 'It's a game changer.' Islip, NY (The Hamptons) to Boston: The Shortcut to New England – Starting July 3 Just in time for Summer, Cape Air will launch four-time daily service between Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP) to Boston (BOS) beginning July 3, 2025. Ideal for Hamptons travelers heading to New England, the Cape and Islands or day trips to Boston from Long Island Offers an efficient, scenic, and stress-free travel alternative 'Cape Air recognized an opportunity to expand its wings in the Northeast from convenient MacArthur Airport. We're delighted to offer business travelers this excellent schedule and frequency to easily fly to Boston,' said Aviation Commissioner Rob Schneider. A short distance from the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), flying from Long Island MacArthur Airport to Boston Logan International Airport just got easier! Beginning July 3, 2025, Cape Air will offer year-round nonstop service to Boston for international and commuter travelers in Long Island, New York, a faster gateway to the world. Say goodbye to the stress of driving through New York City traffic or navigating crowded terminals. 'We look forward to connecting Islip with Boston and sharing Cape Air's outstanding customer service and convenient flight schedules,' said Linda Markham. Cape Air will fly the Tecnam P2012 Traveller on the route, offering passengers a modern, stylish, and highly capable twin-engine aircraft perfect for connecting short hops to Boston. 'We are confident that this innovative aircraft will provide an exceptional flying experience for our passengers and the communities we serve. We look forward to seeing the P2012 Traveller inaugurate our service at Long Island MacArthur Airport,' Markham added. Norwood to Nantucket & Martha's Vineyard: New Service Starting July 3 Say goodbye to ferry lines and bridge traffic. Cape Air is launching summer air service between Norwood Memorial Airport (OWD) and Nantucket (ACK) and Martha's Vineyard (MVY) beginning July 3, 2025 – just in time for the Fourth of July and peak summer travel. Flights will operate for the summer season through Columbus Day. The fastest route to the Cape & Islands from Greater Boston Flights designed for weekenders and islanders alike Flying in and out of Norwood Memorial Airport (OWD) offers a refreshingly easy alternative to the congestion of Boston's larger airports. Located just 30 minutes from downtown Boston, Norwood allows travelers to bypass the traffic, long TSA lines, and expensive parking typical of Logan. With quick curb-to-gate access, free parking, and a relaxed atmosphere, Norwood makes air travel feel effortless. Travel more and stress less with convenient service out of Norwood. 'Norwood is the ideal launchpad for summer escapes,' said Markham. 'Our new service means your beach chair is just a short flight away. As always, Cape Air is proud to offer a more convenient and hassle-free way to reach the islands.' Caribbean Growth: New Inter-Island Connections New St. Thomas to St. Barth's Service: Beginning October 13, 2025 In a bold expansion of its Caribbean footprint, Cape Air will begin twice-daily flights between St. Thomas (STT) and St. Barthélemy (SBH) on October 13, offering direct and efficient service between two of the region's most iconic destinations. Ideal for luxury travelers, yacht charters, and seamless island-hopping A new level of convenience for regional travelers 'This route represents Cape Air's commitment to Caribbean connectivity,' said Markham. 'It's all about elevating the island travel experience.' This groundbreaking route fills a long-standing gap in Caribbean connectivity, offering travelers a direct, reliable link between two of the region's most iconic and in-demand destinations. Whether you're arriving on a commercial flight into St. Thomas or disembarking from a cruise, Cape Air provides a seamless, stress-free connection to the luxury and charm of St. Barth's—without the need for private charters or ferry transfers. With convenient flight times, exceptional service, and breathtaking views en route, this new route is a game-changer for vacationers, yachting guests, and island hoppers alike. Cape Air is not just making the Caribbean smaller – it's making travel smarter, more accessible, and uniquely elegant. 'The opening of this new route between St. Thomas and St. Barth represents a meaningful step forward for regional connectivity. We warmly welcome any initiative that enhances access to our island and enriches the travel experience for visitors and residents alike. This new connection simplifies travel, supports local tourism, and brings our Caribbean communities even closer together', said Alexandra Questel, President of the Territorial Tourism Board of Saint-Barthélemy.
