Unusual Weather Alerts Across the USA on August 15: Heavy Rainstorms, Intense Heat Waves
Tropical Storm Erin Moves Northeast, Affecting U.S. East Coast and Bermuda
As of August 24, 2025, Tropical Storm Erin, which was once a powerful Category 5 hurricane, has weakened and is currently moving northeastward off the U.S. East Coast without an expected landfall in the U.S. However, tropical storm conditions are affecting some coastal areas, including the Outer Banks of North Carolina and Bermuda, which remain under tropical storm warnings.
Erin originated as a Cape Verde hurricane and rapidly intensified, reaching sustained winds of 160 mph before undergoing fluctuations in strength. The storm weakened through an eyewall replacement cycle, was restrained by wind shear and dry air, and did not make landfall. Nevertheless, Erin resulted in heavy rainfall and flooding in Cape Verde and caused tropical storm conditions — heavy rain, destructive winds, and life-threatening surf and rip currents — along parts of the U.S. East Coast, Puerto Rico, Turks and Caicos Islands, and the Bahamas.
North Carolina issued evacuation orders and declared a state of emergency owing to risks of flooding and dangerous marine conditions. Areas at risk from Tropical Storm Erin include coastal North Carolina, especially the Outer Banks, facing tropical storm winds, heavy rainfall, and localized flooding risk. Bermuda also has active tropical storm warnings indicating expected tropical storm conditions. U.S. Atlantic coast beaches, Puerto Rico, the Turks and Caicos, and the Bahamas have also experienced heavy rain and strong winds when Erin was stronger earlier in its path. Cape Verde had severe flooding caused by Erin’s precursor rain events before the storm became a hurricane.
Due to Erin’s large tropical-storm-force wind field extending nearly 575 miles across, the impacts of heavy rain, winds, and flooding risks could be widespread along affected coasts. The National Hurricane Center advises ongoing caution, especially around coastal and low-lying areas vulnerable to flooding and storm surge.
In addition to Tropical Storm Erin, other weather-related events are occurring across the U.S. Maximum temperatures in central cities between Saturday and Sunday will range from 95°F (35°C) to 105°F (40.5°C). A weak stationary front will maintain the daily chance of showers and thunderstorms in the south and southeast. An Air Force hurricane hunter aircraft has a reconnaissance mission scheduled for August 15 to assess the development of a tropical disturbance in the southwest Gulf of Mexico.
In the west, the west coast will remain cooler than normal, and this disturbance could generate moderate to heavy rains in sectors of southern Texas and northeastern Mexico between August 15 and 16. The National Hurricane Center is monitoring this tropical disturbance. By August 17, Tropical Storm Erin is expected to reach category 3, with winds of 132 mph (213 km/h) and gusts up to 161 mph (259 km/h). No immediate direct impacts on land are expected from Tropical Storm Erin in the next 48 hours.
The west coast will remain cooler than normal, and a slow-moving frontal zone will remain over the north of the Plains and Upper Midwest, generating favorable conditions for strong thunderstorms throughout the weekend. The Storm Prediction Center has established a slight risk for severe thunderstorms in the region, with the Central Plains to the Midwest being the most affected area. The Central Plains to the Midwest will also experience above-normal temperatures.
In the Northwest Pacific, a cold air mass accompanied by a front will increase rainfall between Saturday and Sunday, moving towards the Northern Rockies, the Great Basin, and northern California. A shortwave in high levels will enter the Upper Midwest on August 15, where it will favor the development of severe storms capable of producing destructive winds, large hail, heavy rains, and isolated tornadoes.
Heat indices in central cities between Saturday and Sunday could reach between 100°F (37.8°C) and 105°F (40.5°C). The National Weather Service has issued a "High" and even "Extreme" heat risk warning in some areas. Monsoon moisture will generate intermittent precipitation in the Four Corners region, with a risk of localized flooding in prone areas.
The company should closely monitor the ongoing progress of Tropical Storm Erin, as its large wind field could lead to widespread impacts such as heavy rain, winds, and flooding risks along affected coasts. Additionally, the company's weather-forecasting department should keep track of other weather-related events, like the approaching cold air mass and shortwave in the Northwest Pacific, which might generate severe storms with destructive winds, heavy rains, and isolated tornadoes.
