Tropical Storm Erin: What You Need to Know
Introduction to Tropical Storm Erin
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — Tropical Storm Erin was expected to strengthen into a hurricane on Friday as it approached the northeast Caribbean, prompting forecasters to warn of possible flooding and landslides.
The storm is expected to remain over open waters, although tropical storm watches were issued for Anguilla and Barbuda, St. Martin and St. Barts, Saba and St. Eustatius and St. Maarten.
Expected Weather Conditions
Heavy rains were forecast to start late Friday in Antigua and Barbuda, the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, and southern and eastern Puerto Rico. Up to 4 inches are expected, with isolated totals of up to 6 inches, according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami.
Forecasters also warned of dangerous swells.
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Storm Location and Movement
The storm was located about 520 miles east of the Northern Leeward Islands. It had maximum sustained winds of 70 mph and was moving west-northwest at 17 mph.
Forecast and Potential Impact
Hurricane specialist and storm surge expert Michael Lowry said Erin is forecast to eventually take a sharp turn northeast that would put it on a path between the U.S. and Bermuda.
“The forecasts for next week still keep the future hurricane safely east of the mainland U.S.,” he said.
Erin is forecast to become a major Category 3 storm late this weekend.
The hurricane center noted “there is still uncertainty about what impacts Erin may bring to portions of the Bahamas, the east coast of the United States, and Bermuda in the long range.”
Potential Danger to the U.S. East Coast
Dangerous surf and rip currents are expected to affect the U.S. East Coast next week, with waves reaching up to 15 feet along parts of the North Carolina coast that could cause beach erosion, according to AccuWeather.
“Erin is forecast to explode into a powerful Category 4 hurricane as it moves across very warm waters in the open Atlantic. Water temperatures at the surface and hundreds of feet deep are several degrees higher than the historical average,” said Alex DaSilva, AccuWeather’s lead hurricane expert.
Atlantic Hurricane Season
Erin is the fifth named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to Nov. 30.
This year’s season is once again expected to be unusually busy. The forecast calls for six to 10 hurricanes, with three to five reaching major status with winds of more than 110 mph.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Tropical Storm Erin is expected to strengthen into a hurricane and potentially bring flooding and landslides to the northeast Caribbean. The storm is forecast to remain over open waters, but tropical storm watches have been issued for several islands. The U.S. East Coast may also be affected by dangerous surf and rip currents. It is essential to stay informed and follow the latest forecast updates to ensure safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the current status of Tropical Storm Erin?
A: Tropical Storm Erin is expected to strengthen into a hurricane on Friday as it approaches the northeast Caribbean.
Q: Which areas are under tropical storm watches?
A: Tropical storm watches have been issued for Anguilla and Barbuda, St. Martin and St. Barts, Saba and St. Eustatius and St. Maarten.
Q: How much rain is expected in the affected areas?
A: Heavy rains are forecast to start late Friday in Antigua and Barbuda, the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, and southern and eastern Puerto Rico, with up to 4 inches expected and isolated totals of up to 6 inches.
Q: What is the potential impact of the storm on the U.S. East Coast?
A: The U.S. East Coast may be affected by dangerous surf and rip currents, with waves reaching up to 15 feet along parts of the North Carolina coast, potentially causing beach erosion.
Q: How many hurricanes are expected in the Atlantic hurricane season?
A: The forecast calls for six to 10 hurricanes, with three to five reaching major status with winds of more than 110 mph.
