Hurricane Erin Strengthens as It Approaches the Caribbean
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — Hurricane Erin has been upgraded to a Category 2 storm, drawing concern from meteorologists as it heads towards the northeastern Caribbean. Authorities are issuing warnings about potential flooding and landslides.
Though the storm is expected to mainly stay over open waters, tropical storm watches have been issued for several islands, including Anguilla, Barbuda, and St. Martin, among others.
Heavy rainfall is predicted to start late Friday in locations such as Antigua and Barbuda, the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, and parts of Puerto Rico. The National Hurricane Center in Miami estimates that some areas could see up to 4 inches of rain, with isolated spots potentially receiving as much as 6 inches.
As the storm nears, officials are noting a decreasing chance of direct impacts on the Bahamas and the U.S. East Coast. Erin, located about 250 miles northeast of Anguilla, boasts sustained winds of 100 mph and is moving northwest at 17 mph.
Hurricane expert Michael Lowry indicated that Erin is expected to shift course northeast, creating a situation that could affect Bermuda significantly. “Forecasts suggest Erin will curve away from the United States next week, but Bermuda might see more impact,” he stated.
Erin is the first hurricane of the Atlantic season and is forecasted to strengthen into a major Category 3 storm late this weekend, passing around 200 miles north of Puerto Rico.
In response, the U.S. government has sent over 200 personnel from FEMA and other agencies to Puerto Rico as a safety measure. Flood watches are in place for the entire region from late Friday through Monday. Puerto Rico’s Housing Secretary, Ciary Pérez Peña, has confirmed that 367 shelters have been checked and are ready to be opened if necessary.
The U.S. Coast Guard has closed six seaports in Puerto Rico and two in the U.S. Virgin Islands to incoming vessels unless they have special permission. In the Bahamas, public shelters are being prepared as officials encourage residents to remain vigilant about the storm’s progress.
“These storms can change direction rapidly,” cautioned Aarone Sargent from the Bahamas’ disaster risk management authority.
Next week, dangerous surf and rip currents are expected along the U.S. East Coast, with wave heights possibly reaching 15 feet in some areas, raising concerns for beach erosion.
Accuweather’s lead hurricane expert, Alex DaSilva, warns that Erin could escalate to a powerful Category 4 hurricane due to unusually warm ocean waters in the Atlantic. This is the fifth named storm of this year’s Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30, and forecasts indicate it could be an active season with six to ten hurricanes expected.
