Current Hurricane Erin Track: Updated Location, Maps for the First Hurricane of the Atlantic Season
Hurricane Erin, the first hurricane of the Atlantic season, has been causing concern for coastal communities in the United States. The storm displayed an impressive display of rapid intensification overnight into Saturday morning, with its maximum winds increasing from 75 mph on Friday morning to 160 mph on Saturday morning.
The Outer Banks and other parts of North Carolina are expected to bear the brunt of Hurricane Erin's impacts. Coastal flooding, extensive beach erosion, dangerous surf conditions with waves of 15 to 20 feet, and life-threatening rip currents are among the expected threats. Tropical storm-force winds are also likely to affect the area, particularly on Wednesday and Thursday during Erin's approach.
The storm has already caused significant damage to coastal homes, with some houses near Rodanthe appearing on the verge of collapse due to pounding waves and erosion that has claimed nearly a dozen homes since 2020. The island's dune structures have been compromised, leading to ongoing travel disruptions as key roads like NC 12 remain closed after being impacted by flooding and high winds.
Destruction of beachfront properties, coastal flooding, life-threatening rip currents, and economic impacts from business disruptions are potential threats to the Outer Banks specifically. Local authorities have declared states of emergency, instituted mandatory evacuations for Ocracoke and Hatteras islands, and established shelters allowing pets. A phased reentry plan for residents, essential personnel, and visitors has been implemented following the storm.
In response to the approaching hurricane, Governor Josh Stein noted the importance of preparedness and thanked emergency responders working to protect residents. Tropical storm watches remain in effect for Turks and Caicos, and Hurricane Erin is currently located about 145 miles north-northeast of San Juan, Puerto Rico.
As of Saturday night, Hurricane Erin had weakened into a Category 4 storm with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph. The National Hurricane Center predicted an above-normal hurricane season for the Atlantic. Moving to next week, Erin will continue to move northwest, staying east of the Bahamas and is expected to slow down and turn north by Monday, tracking between Bermuda and the East Coast of the U.S.
This report was contributed to by Shawnie Caslin Martucci. The cold front pushing off of America's coast is expected to keep Erin out to sea, but it will also bring below-average temperatures to the Northeast next week. The highest rainfall totals reported along the northern shores of St. Thomas and Puerto Rico ranged between 1 to 2 inches, with locally higher amounts in the British Virgin Islands. Downed trees and power poles have been reported in the San Juan area of Puerto Rico due to Hurricane Erin.
August, September, and October are the most active months of the Atlantic hurricane season, and residents and visitors are urged to stay informed and prepare for any potential impacts.
- As the above-normal hurricane season in the Atlantic progresses, weather-forecasting agencies are closely monitoring Hurricane Erin's movement, with concerns about potential weather impacts on the Northeast next week due to an approaching cold front.
- Despite the storm's weakening into a Category 4 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph, politics plays a crucial role in addressing the challenges posed by hurricanes such as Erin, particularly in the allocation of resources for weather-related emergencies and reconstruction efforts that follow destructive events like these.
