Hurricane Erin, the first Atlantic hurricane of the 2025 season, set to intensify into a significant storm over the weekend.
In the early stages of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, Hurricane Erin has made a significant appearance, rapidly intensifying into a Category 5 storm without making landfall. This article provides an overview of its projected path and potential impact on the northern Leeward Islands, U.S. and British Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.
Hurricane Erin's Projected Path
Hurricane Erin, initially a powerful Cape Verde hurricane, moved northwestward towards the Caribbean before curving northeastward away from the U.S. coastline. It passed close to the northern Leeward Islands and made its closest approach to the Outer Banks of North Carolina about 200 miles southeast of Cape Hatteras. Despite its proximity to several landmasses, Erin did not make landfall but brought tropical storm conditions to surrounding areas.
Potential Impact of Hurricane Erin
Northern Leeward Islands
The rough seas caused by Hurricane Erin posed a risk to coastal areas in the northern Leeward Islands, although specific reports of major flooding or structural damage were not reported.
U.S. and British Virgin Islands
While Hurricane Erin passed close to the broader Caribbean region, it did not significantly impact the U.S. or British Virgin Islands. Peripheral effects like rough seas and increased rain might have been experienced.
Puerto Rico
Heavy rains from Hurricane Erin led to road flooding in Puerto Rico, causing over 159,000 customers to lose power. The storm also brought tropical storm conditions to the island, with strong winds and heavy rainfall.
As Hurricane Erin is expected to pass just north of Puerto Rico over the weekend, coastal regions should remain vigilant against rough seas. The National Hurricane Center warns that these swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. Isolated areas of the Leeward Islands, Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico could receive up to six inches of rainfall, potentially leading to isolated flash and urban flooding, landslides, and mudslides.
The National Hurricane Center expects Erin's center to move near or just north of the northern Leeward Islands over the weekend, with heavy rainfall forecast to occur late Friday through the weekend in the northernmost Leeward Islands, the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, and southern and eastern Puerto Rico.
The hurricane named Erin has strengthened to a Category 1 storm and is predicted to potentially become a major hurricane by Sunday morning. A tropical storm watch is in effect for Anguilla, Barbuda, St. Martin, St. Barthelemy, Saba and St. Eustatius, and Sint Maarten.
This information was provided in a Friday afternoon advisory by the National Hurricane Center. It is crucial for residents in the affected areas to stay informed and follow any instructions from local authorities.
Please note that this article does not contain any information related to the "3 dead in historic rain and flash flooding in Tennessee" or "Juneau residents urged to evacuate as Alaska's Mendenhall Glacier releases floodwater".
References: [1] National Hurricane Center. (2025, September 10). Hurricane Erin Advisory 23. Retrieved from https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2025/ERIN23.shtml [2] National Hurricane Center. (2025, September 10). Hurricane Erin Public Advisory 23. Retrieved from https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2025/ERINP23.shtml [3] National Hurricane Center. (2025, September 10). Hurricane Erin Discussion Number 23. Retrieved from https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2025/ERIND23.shtml
- Residents of the northern Leeward Islands, U.S. and British Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico should stay informed about the weather updates as Hurricane Erin is expected to potentially bring tropical storm conditions, heavy rainfall, and life-threatening surf and rip current conditions to these regions.
- As Hurricane Erin progresses northward, it is vital for coastal regions in these areas to remain vigilant against rough seas, as isolated flash and urban flooding, landslides, and mudslides could occur, according to the National Hurricane Center forecast.
