Tropical storm Erin issues initial hurricane alert in the Caribbean, signifying the first such warning for the season. - Intense Tropical Storm Erin Issues Initial Hurricane Alert in Caribbean Region
Tropical Storm Erin Impacts U.S. East Coast and Caribbean
Tropical Storm Erin, the first hurricane of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, has been causing significant impacts across the Caribbean and the U.S. East Coast.
Caribbean Impact
Although Erin did not make direct landfall, it delivered tropical storm conditions including heavy rain and strong winds to Puerto Rico and the Bahamas. The storm's proximity caused tropical-storm-force winds and coastal impacts in these areas due to its large wind field extending hundreds of miles from its center.
In the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Bahamas, up to 200 liters of rain per square meter is expected, increasing the risk of significant flash flooding, urban flooding, landslides, or mudslides.
U.S. East Coast Impact
Erin remained offshore along the U.S. East Coast, posing threats of strong winds, heavy surf, and storm surge, particularly along coastal North Carolina where a storm surge warning was issued for the Outer Banks region. The storm was steered away from direct landfall by a high-pressure system and pushed offshore by an approaching cold front.
Dangerous rip currents and coastal erosion are expected in states like North Carolina. Waves up to 40 feet high are predicted along the eastern seaboard of the United States.
Forecast and Weakening
By August 23, Erin was weakening and expected to become post-tropical, moving northward off the U.S. East Coast, passing between the coast and Bermuda, and then northeastward toward Atlantic Canada without making landfall. Despite weakening, the storm remained a very large system with hurricane-force winds extending up to 105 miles and tropical storm-force winds up to 320 miles from its center.
Climate Change and Storm Intensification
Human-induced climate change contributes to rising sea temperatures worldwide, increasing the likelihood and intensifying storms like Erin. This year, stronger phenomena than usual are expected.
Last year, several intense storms battered the Caribbean region, resulting in over 200 deaths in the southeastern U.S. The Atlantic hurricane season typically runs from June to late November.
Stay Informed
As Erin continues to move northward, it is crucial for those in the affected areas to stay informed and prepared. Regularly check local news and weather updates for the latest information on the storm's path and potential impacts.
[1] NOAA National Hurricane Center [2] The Weather Channel [3] National Weather Service [4] The New York Times
- The Tropical Storm Erin, the first hurricane of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, is causing concerns in the Caribbean, particularly in the Turks and Caicos Islands, Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico, as heavy rain and strong winds are expected to inundate these island areas.
- By Sunday, the forecast suggests that Tropical Storm Erin will approach the U.S. East Coast, with weather conditions such as strong winds, heavy surf, and storm surge anticipated to affect states like North Carolina, potentially posing significant concerns for the affected coastal communities.
