Hurricane Erin strengthens toward major hurricane

Hurricane Erin formed in the eastern Atlantic and is tracking toward the Caribbean with potential impacts on islands and possibly the U.S. East Coast.

Hurricane Erin strengthens toward major hurricane as it nears Caribbean

Hurricane Erin formed in the eastern Atlantic and is moving west-northwest at 17 mph. The system has maximum sustained winds of 75 mph and lies about 365 miles east of the northern Leeward Islands. The National Hurricane Center has issued tropical storm watches for Anguilla, Barbuda, St Martin, St Barthelemy and Sint Maarten as Erin heads toward the Caribbean. Forecasters say the center of Erin will likely pass just north of the northern Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico this weekend, with outer rain bands bringing 2 to 4 inches of rain and up to 6 inches in isolated locations, raising flood and mudslide risks in hills and mountains.

Forecasts call for steady to rapid strengthening over the next two to three days, with Erin expected to become a major hurricane by the weekend. While direct impacts along the U.S. East Coast and the Bahamas look to ease as the track shifts, Caribbean residents should monitor updated advisories and be prepared for changing conditions.

This early storm tests how communities respond to tropical threats at the start of the season. Clear guidance and timely warnings matter, especially when forecasts shift and rainfall threatens flood-prone terrain. The situation underscores the need for practical preparedness rather than alarm as maps evolve.

The broader trend is a warm Atlantic that can fuel rapid intensification for some storms. For officials, the task is translating model runs into concrete actions—shelters ready, resources allocated, and evacuation plans tested—before Erin arrives.

Highlights

Updates will define the path and highlight practical steps for communities.