Erin Intensifies into a Category 4 Hurricane in the Caribbean

The National Hurricane Center has reported that Erin has escalated into a Category 4 hurricane in the Caribbean region.

Currently positioned approximately 150 miles (240 kilometers) to the northeast of Anguilla, the hurricane is producing sustained winds reaching up to 130 mph (215 kph), traveling at a speed of 20 mph (31 kph) in a west-northwest direction.

Although there are no predictions for a direct hit on land, the surrounding islands are experiencing severe winds. This has led to warnings from meteorologists regarding potential flooding and landslides as the storm progresses. The NHC expects the storm will eventually veer away from the United States mainland.

Preparations Underway for Hurricane Erin

Tropical storm alerts have been issued for regions including St. Martin, St. Barthelemy, and Sint Maarten, where rainfalls of up to 4 inches (10 centimeters) are anticipated, with localized amounts reaching 6 inches (15 centimeters), according to forecasts from the National Hurricane Center in Miami.

Forecasters warn of substantial risk for flash and urban flooding, as well as the possibility of landslides or mudslides in affected areas.

According to Michael Lowry, an expert in hurricanes and storm surges, Erin's projected path involves a sharp turn to the northeast, potentially positioning it somewhere between the U.S. and Bermuda.

Lowry indicates that while the storm is expected to skirt east of the United States, Bermuda might face the stronger eastern side of Erin.

In anticipation of possible impacts, over 200 personnel from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and other departments have been deployed to Puerto Rico. A flood advisory is active for the entire U.S. territory from Friday night through to Monday.

Ciary Pérez Peña, Puerto Rico's Housing Secretary, announced that 367 shelters are prepped and ready to be opened if needed.

On Friday, the U.S. Coast Guard announced the temporary closure of six seaports in Puerto Rico and two in the U.S. Virgin Islands to incoming vessels unless prior authorization is received.

In the Bahamas, officials have arranged public shelters as a preventive measure and urge residents to keep track of the hurricane's progress.

2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season: A Mid-Year Update

Erin developed on Monday off the coast of Cabo Verde, marking the fifth named storm in the Atlantic hurricane season of 2025, which runs from June 1 to November 30.

To date, only one storm has made landfall in the U.S., striking North Carolina in early July. In June, Tropical Depression Barry reached the coast of eastern Mexico.

Accuweather's lead hurricane expert, Alex DaSilva, predicts Erin will gain strength over exceptionally warm Atlantic waters, becoming a strong Category 4 hurricane. Ocean surface and sub-surface temperatures are notably higher than usual.

The current season is anticipated to be particularly active, with forecasts predicting six to ten hurricanes, of which three to five could achieve major hurricane status, featuring winds exceeding 110 mph (177 kph).