Hurricane Erin Weakens to Category 3, Continues to Affect Islands

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Hurricane Erin weakened to a Category 3 hurricane Sunday as its outer bands continued to lash the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico with heavy rains and tropical-storm force winds.

While Erin’s maximum winds diminished, the storm’s overall size grew and forecasters issued tropical storm warnings for the Turks and Caicos Islands and a watch for the southeast Bahamas.

Impact on the U.S. East Coast and Other Islands

The storm wasn’t expected to directly impact the U.S. East Coast, but by doubling or tripling in size it could bring rip currents all along the coast. Gusty winds and flooding tides could wash out parts of the highway that connects the North Carolina Outer Banks by midweek, the National Weather Service said.

Bermuda could have similar conditions as Erin is forecast to turn to the north and then northeast, forecasters said.

Hurricane Erin’s History and Current Status

Erin, the first Atlantic hurricane of 2025, reached Category 5 status Saturday with maximum winds of 160 mph (260 kph) before weakening.

The storm’s maximum sustained winds were 125 mph (205 kph) late Sunday morning, according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami.

The winds decreased as the storm went through internal changes. Erin is expected to remain powerful for the next several days and is likely to strengthen again, forecasters said.

Quotes from Experts and Current Conditions

“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 center was about 235 miles (380 kilometers) north-northwest of San Juan, Puerto Rico, and 200 miles (320 kilometers) east of the Grand Turk Island, moving west-northwest at 13 mph (20 kph).

Effects on Puerto Rico and Other Islands

The rain and winds from the outer bands of the storm left about 147,000 customers without power Sunday morning in Puerto Rico, according to Luma Energy, a private company that oversees the transmission and distribution of power on the island. The weather canceled more than 20 flights, officials said.

Swells were also expected to affect portions of the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Hispaniola and the Turks and Caicos Islands during the next couple of days, forecasters said.

The Coast Guard allowed all ports in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands to reopen on Sunday as winds and rains in the area decrease.

Tropical Storm Warnings and Climate Change

A tropical storm warning means tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area, and in this case, within 24 hours, the hurricane center said. Heavy rain is still expected across the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, with rainfall of 3 to 6 inches (about 7.6 to 15 centimeters), with 8 inches (20 centimeters) in some isolated areas.

The government of the Bahamas also issued a tropical storm watch for the Southeast Bahamas.

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.

Conclusion

Hurricane Erin’s weakening to a Category 3 hurricane does not mean the storm is no longer a threat. The storm’s size has grown, and it is expected to remain powerful for the next several days. The effects of the storm are being felt across the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and other islands, with heavy rains, strong winds, and power outages. It is essential to stay informed and follow the instructions of local authorities to ensure safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the current status of Hurricane Erin?

A: Hurricane Erin has weakened to a Category 3 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 125 mph (205 kph).

Q: Which islands are affected by the storm?

A: The Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, the Turks and Caicos Islands, and the Southeast Bahamas are all affected by the storm.

Q: What is the expected impact on the U.S. East Coast?

A: The storm is not expected to directly impact the U.S. East Coast, but it could bring rip currents and gusty winds to the coast.

Q: How does climate change affect hurricanes?

A: Climate change is causing the atmosphere to hold more water vapor and is spiking ocean temperatures, which gives hurricanes fuel to unleash more rain and strengthen more quickly.