Introduction to Hurricane Erin
Erin became the first hurricane of the 2025 Atlantic season on Friday and was expected to continue strengthening into a major hurricane, forecasters said.
In its latest advisory on Friday, the National Hurricane Center in Miami said Erin was about 250 miles east-northeast of Anguilla and had maximum sustained winds of 100 mph as it moved west-northwest at 17 mph.
Are there any watches or warnings in effect?
Since Thursday night, a tropical storm watch has been in effect for:
- Anguilla
- St. Martin and St. Barthelemy
- Saba and St. Eustatius
- Sint Maarten
A tropical storm watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area, generally within 48 hours.
The NHC has said interests in the northern Leeward Islands, Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Turks and Caicos and the southeastern Bahamas should monitor the progress of Erin.
How will Erin affect land?
The outer bands of Erin are expected to produce areas of heavy rain beginning late Friday and into the weekend across the northernmost Leeward Islands, the U.S. and British Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches are expected, as well as isolated totals of 6 inches.
Wind and swells are also possible. According to the NHC, the swells could affect portions of the northern Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Hispaniola and the Turks and Caicos Islands by this weekend and are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. It will likely spread to the Bahamas, Bermuda and the east coast of the United States early next week.
When could Erin strengthen?
The NHC said in its advisory that Erin could become a major hurricane (Category 3) by the weekend.
It is forecast "to become a large and formidable major hurricane this weekend," the NHC said.
Will Erin hit Florida?
According to the NHC’s forecast track, the center of Erin is likely to move near or just north of the northern Leeward Islands over the weekend.
Forecasters believe Erin will continue gradually turning northwestward and northward, well to the east of Florida.
But a major hurricane even remotely close to the U.S. could of course come with a high risk of rip currents and rougher seas.
When do forecast models become more certain?
Models tend to become less accurate as we go further out in time, which is why forecasts like the cone from the National Hurricane Center only go out five days.
In the next one to two days, the storm’s forward speed and location will be scrutinized as little adjustments now can and will have an impact later. The more data is gathered in the initial stages of a storm, the better the predictions can be.
Conclusion
Hurricane Erin has strengthened to a Category 2 hurricane and is expected to continue to intensify into a major hurricane. The storm’s track and intensity are being closely monitored by the National Hurricane Center, and interests in the northern Leeward Islands, Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Turks and Caicos, and the southeastern Bahamas should be prepared for potential impacts.
FAQs
- Q: What is the current status of Hurricane Erin?
A: Hurricane Erin is currently a Category 2 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 100 mph. - Q: Where is Hurricane Erin located?
A: Hurricane Erin is located about 250 miles east-northeast of Anguilla. - Q: What is the forecast track for Hurricane Erin?
A: The National Hurricane Center forecasts that the center of Erin will move near or just north of the northern Leeward Islands over the weekend. - Q: Will Hurricane Erin hit Florida?
A: According to the NHC’s forecast track, the center of Erin is likely to move well to the east of Florida.
