Hurricane Erin has become the most important news system in the Caribbean. It heralds the beginning of what many experts believe will be a rough Atlantic hurricane season. As of 0600 GMT, Erin was centered about 140 miles north of San Juan, Puerto Rico. This historic storm is now classified as a Category 3, with maximum sustained winds of 125 miles per hour. Even though the storm did reach Category 5 strength for a period, it has weakened since then. Meteorologists are forecasting increases and decreases in its intensity over the next two days as rebuilding is taking place within its inner core.
Though Hurricane Erin will stay well away from the U.S. coastline, its effects are likely to be felt along a number of Caribbean islands. The Turks and Caicos Islands are under a tropical storm watch from the National Hurricane Center (NHC). Mayor Allen Joines called for residents to take precautions as the area faces threats of torrential rain and high winds. Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and southeastern Bahamas should prepare to monitor Erin’s path.
Current Situation and Expected Impacts
Track Hurricane Erin, which is expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds to a number of Caribbean islands. The good news is that it’s not likely to come ashore. As the storm develops, it could bring as much as eight inches of rain to isolated areas, leading to “locally considerable flash and urban flooding, along with landslides or mudslides,” according to the NHC.
The NHC further noted, “The core of Erin is expected to pass to the east of the Turks and Caicos Islands and the southeastern Bahamas tonight and Monday.” As Erin continues its demise to the northwest, the storm will bring swells. These swells will affect some northern Leeward Islands, Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, and Turks and Caicos Islands. These developing conditions would create extremely hazardous surf and life-threatening rip currents across the U.S. East Coast early next week.
Potential for Erosion and Dangerous Waves
As Hurricane Erin continues to grow, it increases the threat of strong and damaging waves and coastal erosion to North Carolina. As of Friday morning, the NHC has advised that dangerous swells from Erin will reach shore to places like Bermuda and parts of the Bahamas. Residents along these coastlines should heed the advice of state and local emergency officials as surf conditions could become life-threatening.
The storm’s capacity for creating dangerous situations serves as a reminder of how critical preparation is in our coastal communities. Residents are encouraged to stay informed on updates from local authorities and meteorological services regarding Hurricane Erin’s trajectory and potential impacts.
Challenges Facing Meteorological Services
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) operates the National Hurricane Center (NHC). In recent years it has seen crushing budget cuts and layoffs. These fiscal limitations have fueled fears over the agency’s ability to track storms in real-time front lines amid a busy hurricane season. Experts stress that in order for forecasters to do their best work and provide life-saving advanced warnings to vulnerable communities, there needs to be strong funding.