Erin Becomes First Major Hurricane of 2025 Season
Hurricane Erin, the inaugural hurricane of the 2025 Atlantic season, has strengthened into a devastating Category 5 hurricane, the US National Hurricane Center (NHC) said Saturday. The hurricane, with top winds of 160 mph (260 km/h), is situated approximately 175 miles (285 km) northeast of San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Forecasters indicated Erin is to move west-northwest Saturday night before weakening and turning north early next week. Gradual weakening is expected beginning Monday, though the storm is still a serious threat in the days ahead.
Path Poses Risk to Northern Caribbean Islands
Erin’s forecast track keeps it north of the northern Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico Sunday, then east of the Turks and Caicos Islands and southeastern Bahamas Sunday night and Monday. The storm will deliver heavy rain and risky swells to these locations, posing hazardous conditions for shore communities.
The Bahamas issued a Tropical Storm Watch for the British islands east-southeast of its jurisdiction, and inhabitants of the northern Leeward Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands should stay on alert. Swells produced by Erin should arrive in the Bahamas, Bermuda, and parts of the US East Coast early next week.
Secondary Threats and Safety Concerns
In addition to flooding and gusts, meteorologists have cautioned that Erin has potential to fuel wildfire threats if dry gusts spark dry vegetation. BMS Group Senior Meteorologist Andrew Siffert said that the hurricane forming from the convergence of warm and cold air, as opposed to only from tropical waters, may set conditions for fire conflagrations.
Despite the storm’s intensity, insurance-linked securities manager Twelve Securis said Erin is forecast to remain far enough offshore to largely spare the US East Coast from severe impacts, though coastal areas should monitor updates closely.
Residents in the affected areas are being asked to get ready for possible power outages, flooding, and hazardous ocean conditions. Emergency responders in the Caribbean are on standby, and passengers can anticipate interruptions to flights and sea travel in the path of the hurricane.
ALSO READ: Hurricane Erin Races Toward Puerto Rico And The Virgin Island, Turning Into A Monster Storm
Preparing for the Weekend
Erin should bring heavy rain over the entire northern Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico during Sunday. Evacuation and travel advisories should be heeded by residents and tourists, if ordered.
