Stronger, bigger Hurricane Erin forecast to create dangerous surf along US coast
Share this @internewscast.com

MIAMI (AP) — Hurricane Erin intensified to a larger and stronger storm as it battered parts of the Caribbean, with predictions of dangerous surf and rip currents for the U.S. East Coast this week.

The storm surged to a Category 4 hurricane, boasting maximum sustained winds of 130 mph (215 kph) late Sunday, with its outer bands affecting the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, as stated by the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami. Tropical storm conditions were expected in the Turks and Caicos Islands and the southeast Bahamas from Sunday night into Monday.

While additional strengthening was anticipated for Monday, Erin was projected to gradually weaken thereafter but maintain its status as a significant hurricane through midweek.

Hurricane-force winds expanded up to 60 miles (95 kilometers) from the center, with tropical-storm-force winds stretching outward up to 230 miles (370 km). The area influenced by strong winds is expected to widen over the coming days. Erin’s size will continue to impact coastal regions despite it not being projected to directly hit land.

Authorities in Dare County, North Carolina, declared a state of emergency and mandated the evacuation of Hatteras Island on the Outer Banks beginning Monday. This region, a slender band of barrier islands extending into the Atlantic, could see parts of N.C. Highway 12 being washed out due to persistent heavy surf and strong winds, as warned by the National Weather Service.

By late Sunday, Erin was located approximately 130 miles (205 kilometers) east-northeast of Grand Turk Island and about 965 miles (1,555 kilometers) south-southeast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. The hurricane was advancing northwest at a speed of 12 mph (19 kph).

Erin, the year’s first Atlantic hurricane, reached an exceedingly dangerous Category 5 status Saturday with 160 mph (260 kph) winds before weakening. It is expected to remain powerful for the next several days and grow in size.

“You’re dealing with a major hurricane. The intensity is fluctuating. It’s a dangerous hurricane in any event,” said Richard Pasch of the National Hurricane Center.

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 the next couple of days. 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.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Strong earthquake kills 31 people in a central Philippine region hit by deadly storm just days ago

Powerful earthquake claims 31 lives in central Philippine region recently ravaged by a deadly storm

MANILA, Philippines — A 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck offshore in the central…
DOJ sues LA sheriff’s office in its first-ever gun-rights lawsuit over carry delays

LA Sheriff’s Office Faces DOJ’s First Gun-Rights Lawsuit Over Concealed Carry Delays

On Tuesday, the Justice Department initiated a lawsuit against the Los Angeles…
New Bears stadium renderings released, along with report on projected cost, economic impact of Arlington Heights, Illinois project

Renderings of New Bears Stadium Unveiled, Plus Cost and Economic Impact Report for Arlington Heights, Illinois

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (WLS) — We have received initial insights into the…
Marion County man charged with creating CSAM using AI

Marion County Resident Accused of Producing CSAM with Artificial Intelligence

Police say that Lucius Martin was arrested during a traffic stop, where…
Michigan church shooter's romance history emerges as suspect's father apologizes to victims' families

Romantic Past of Michigan Church Shooter Revealed Amid Father’s Apology to Victims’ Families

GRAND BLANC, Mich. – The father of the man responsible for driving…
Napheesa Collier torches WNBA leadership in exit interview

Napheesa Collier Criticizes WNBA Leadership in Candid Exit Interview

Collier, known for her candidness in championing players’ causes, criticized the current…
Government shutdown begins as lawmakers fail to reach deal to extend funding

Government Shutdown Initiated After Lawmakers Fail to Secure Funding Agreement

Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer debate government…
Italy’s Meloni says Gaza flotilla risks escalation, could ‘blow up' potential ceasefire deal

Italy’s Meloni Warns Gaza Flotilla Could Endanger Ceasefire Negotiations

The Gaza-bound flotilla involving anti-Israel activists and celebrities, including Greta Thunberg, has…
Second detainee dies after Dallas ICE facility sniper attack, family speaks out

Family Responds After Second Inmate Dies Following Sniper Incident at Dallas ICE Facility

A second detainee passed away after a gunman opened fire on a…
Hundreds of federal agents in Chicago carry out operation targeting suspected Tren de Aragua gang members

Chicago Sees Large-Scale Operation as Federal Agents Target Alleged Members of the Tren de Aragua Gang

Hundreds of federal agents executed a “targeted immigration enforcement operation” early Tuesday…
'Dancing with the Stars' week 3 recap: Ballroom shocked by TikTok night elimination

‘Dancing with the Stars’ Week 3 Recap: TikTok Night Ends in Unexpected Elimination

TikTok took center stage in the ballroom Tuesday night during week three…
Teen Vogue Summit 2025 brings music, media, and powerful mentorship to young creators

The Teen Vogue Summit 2025 combines music, media, and inspiring mentorship for young creatives.

The 2025 Teen Vogue Summit took place in Los Angeles, where it…