MIAMI — Hurricane Erin has gained strength and size, impacting several areas in the Caribbean and posing a risk to the U.S. East Coast due to dangerous surf and rip currents. The storm has reemerged as a Category 4 hurricane, boasting maximum sustained winds of 130 mph.
Early Monday, Erin was situated roughly 105 miles north-northeast of Grand Turk Island and approximately 915 miles south-southeast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, moving northwest at about 13 mph. The government of the Bahamas has placed a Tropical Storm Watch in effect for central parts of the islands, while a warning continues for the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Meteorologists anticipate that Erin may strengthen further, continuing as a major hurricane into midweek despite a forecasted gradual weakening thereafter. Warnings indicate that hurricane-force winds will extend up to 60 miles from the center, with tropical-storm-force winds reaching out as far as 230 miles, suggesting coastal areas will still feel significant effects.
Dare County, North Carolina, has declared an emergency and ordered an evacuation for Hatteras Island beginning Monday. This thin stretch of islands is vulnerable to the rising surf and strong winds that could lead to significant road damage along N.C. Highway 12.
Erin is the first hurricane of the Atlantic season, having previously reached a highly dangerous Category 5 with winds reaching 160 mph before beginning to lose steam. Richard Pasch from the National Hurricane Center emphasized the potential impact of Erin, stating it remains a dangerous storm.
On Sunday, rainfall and gusty winds battered Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, knocking out power for over 147,000 customers. The Coast Guard has since reopened all ports in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands as conditions improved.
As the storm progresses, parts of the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and adjacent areas should be ready for rough ocean conditions. Life-threatening surf and rip currents are expected along the U.S. East Coast and extending towards Canada’s Atlantic coastline as Erin shifts northward.
Recent scientific discussions have linked the increasing intensity of hurricanes to climate change. Warmer ocean temperatures and increased water vapor in the atmosphere are believed to be contributing factors that exacerbate storm strength and rainfall.
Residents in affected areas are advised to stay updated on weather forecasts and prepare accordingly as Hurricane Erin continues its path.
