Intensified and expansive Hurricane Erin projected to generate hazardous waves along the American seashore, posing potential risks.
Hurricane Erin Intensifies Rapidly, Threatens Eastern Seaboard
Hurricane Erin, currently a major hurricane, is expected to remain powerful into midweek, posing a significant threat to several Caribbean islands and the eastern coast of the United States.
The hurricane, now classified as a Category 4 storm with maximum sustained winds of 130 mph (215 kph), has been exhibiting an alarming rate of intensification. Hurricane-force winds extend up to 60 miles (95 kilometers) from the storm's center, and tropical-storm-force winds reach as far as 230 miles (370 km).
As Erin moves northwest at 12 mph (19 kph), rough ocean conditions are forecast for parts of the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, the Turks and Caicos Islands, and even Bermuda, the Bahamas, the U.S. East Coast, and Canada's Atlantic coast from midweek.
The storm has already caused disruptions in Puerto Rico, with more than 20 flights canceled and approximately 147,000 power customers affected due to the storm. Dare County, North Carolina, has declared an emergency and ordered an evacuation beginning Monday of Hatteras Island on the Outer Banks, as several days of heavy surf and high winds and waves could wash out parts of N.C. Highway 12 running along the barrier islands.
Scientists have linked the rapid intensification of hurricanes in the Atlantic to climate change. Warmer ocean temperatures provide the energy hurricanes need to reach major hurricane status unusually quickly and intensely. The area of strong winds is expected to grow more over the next few days, as warming waters give hurricanes fuel to unleash more rain and strengthen more quickly.
Analysis using the Climate Shift Index (CSI) confirms that human-induced warming significantly raises ocean temperatures, thus increasing hurricane intensification likelihood and severity. This correlation is evident in Hurricane Erin's rapid intensification, which saw its wind speed increase by approximately 85 mph in just over 24 hours, well above the 58 mph threshold defining extreme rapid intensification.
Experts note that hurricanes are generally intensifying faster now compared to past decades, correlating with ongoing sea surface temperature rises attributed to climate change. Each increment in ocean temperature not only fuels stronger storms but also amplifies resulting damages exponentially.
As Erin approaches the eastern seaboard, life-threatening surf and rip currents are forecast for the affected areas. All ports in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands were allowed to reopen as winds and rains decreased. However, residents and visitors are urged to remain vigilant and follow local authorities' advice.
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