Hurricane Erin Strengthens as It Nears Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands

Tone & Political Bias: Center

Why: The report presents factual weather data and forecasts without political or ideological framing.

Rapid Intensification in the Caribbean

Hurricane Erin, the fifth named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, intensified from a tropical storm into a hurricane earlier than expected on Friday morning as it approached Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported sustained winds of 70 mph and warned of possible flooding and landslides in the northeastern Caribbean.

Forecast Path and Strength

• Expected Track: Erin is projected to move toward Florida before turning sharply northeast between the U.S. East Coast and Bermuda.

• Category Increase: The NHC anticipates Erin will strengthen into a major Category 3 hurricane by late weekend.

• Private Forecast Upgrade: AccuWeather projects Erin could reach Category 4 status due to abnormally warm Atlantic waters.

• Water Temperatures: Surface and subsurface readings are several degrees above average, fueling intensification.

  
  

Storm Warnings Issued

Tropical storm watches have been posted for:

• Anguilla and Barbuda

• St. Martin and St. Barts

• Saba and St. Eustatius

• St. Maarten

  
  

The NHC forecasts heavy rainfall to begin late Friday across:

• Antigua and Barbuda

• U.S. and British Virgin Islands

• Eastern Puerto Rico

• Southern and eastern Dominican Republic

• Parts of Haiti

Rainfall totals could reach 4 inches, with isolated areas receiving up to 6 inches.

Coastal and Marine Hazards

• Swells and Surf: Dangerous swells are expected across the northeastern Caribbean and along the U.S. East Coast next week.

• North Carolina Impact: Waves could reach 15 feet in some areas.

• Rip Current Risk: Increased risk of hazardous rip currents is expected along multiple U.S. Atlantic beaches.

  
  

Uncertainty Beyond the Weekend

NHC officials caution that impacts on the Bahamas, U.S. East Coast, and Bermuda remain uncertain beyond the immediate forecast period. Hurricane specialist Michael Lowry told the Associated Press that forecast models keep Erin’s core east of the U.S. mainland.

Origin and Early Impacts

Erin developed from a cluster of storms off the coast of Africa last week, passing near the Cabo Verde Islands as a tropical rainstorm. Heavy rainfall in the region led to flash flooding in parts of West Africa. Televisão África reported at least six deaths and several missing persons following the floods.

Key Takeaways

• Erin became a hurricane sooner than forecast as it neared Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

• Major hurricane status is expected within days, with some forecasts predicting Category 4 strength.

• Caribbean islands face threats of flooding, high surf, and strong winds.

• Long-term U.S. impacts remain uncertain, but hazardous ocean conditions are expected along the East Coast.