Hurricane Erin has rapidly escalated in intensity, now classified as a Category 4 hurricane, and is poised to unleash life-threatening surf and rip currents along the eastern coastline of the United States. The storm is currently affecting the southeastern Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands, where tropical storm warnings remain in effect.
While Hurricane Erin is not predicted to make landfall directly on the islands, it is expected to deliver significant rainfall along with damaging winds. Forecasts indicate up to six inches (15.2 cm) of rain may fall on the affected regions. This storm marks the first hurricane of the 2025 Atlantic season and has shown volatile behavior, having reached Category 5 strength before fluctuating briefly before regaining force.
In Puerto Rico, the hurricane's initial impact has already left over 150,000 residents without power due to wind-damaged electricity lines. Local energy provider Luma reported emergency repairs, restoring service to approximately 95% of affected customers by Sunday evening.
As Hurricane Erin's outer rain bands begin to sweep over the Bahamas, the country's Disaster Risk Management Authority is urging residents to take precautionary measures. Managing director Aarone Sargent emphasized the importance of identifying nearby shelters and understanding alternate options if primary shelters reach capacity. "These storms can shift directions unexpectedly," he alerted.
Predictions by the National Hurricane Center indicate that Erin will pass to the east of the southeastern Bahamas today and continue its journey between Bermuda and the eastern US coast by mid-week. The NHC also cautions that Erin will remain "a large and dangerous hurricane" during this time.
The Outer Banks of North Carolina are implementing emergency protocols, mandating evacuations of Hatteras Island due to expected high winds and heavy surf. Authorities are warning that main highways could soon become impassable, and dangerous rip tides could threaten water activities across the entirety of the US East Coast.
