Hurricane Erin Downgraded to Category 3 Hurricane
Hurricane Erin was downgraded to a Category 3 hurricane early Sunday as a tropical storm warning was issued for the Turks and Caicos Islands and winds and heavy rains whipped the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.
Erin, the first Atlantic hurricane of 2025, reached Category 5 status before weakening, with maximum sustained winds of 125 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami.
Current Status of the Hurricane
The storm’s center was about 155 miles north of San Juan, Puerto Rico and nearly 300 miles east of the Grand Turk Island, moving west-northwest at 14 mph.
A tropical storm warning means tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area, and in this case, within 24 hours, the NHC said. Heavy rain is still expected across the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, with rainfall of 3 to 6 inches, with 8 inches in some isolated areas.
Impact on the Islands
More than 159,000 customers were without power in Puerto Rico as a result of Hurricane Erin on Sunday morning, according to Luma Energy, a private company that oversees the transmission and distribution of power on the island.
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, the NHC reported.
The government of the Bahamas also issued a tropical storm watch for the Southeast Bahamas.
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Link to Climate Change
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 faster.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Hurricane Erin has been downgraded to a Category 3 hurricane, but its impact is still being felt across the Caribbean. With heavy rains and strong winds expected to continue, it’s essential to stay informed and follow the latest updates from the National Hurricane Center.
FAQs
Q: What is the current status of Hurricane Erin?
A: Hurricane Erin has been downgraded to a Category 3 hurricane, with maximum sustained winds of 125 mph.
Q: Which islands are expected to be affected by the hurricane?
A: The Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, and the Turks and Caicos Islands are expected to be affected by the hurricane.
Q: How is climate change linked to the rapid intensification of hurricanes?
A: Scientists have linked the rapid intensification of hurricanes in the Atlantic to climate change, which is causing the atmosphere to hold more water vapor and spiking ocean temperatures, giving hurricanes fuel to unleash more rain and strengthen faster.
