Hurricane Erin Escalates to Category 4, Threatens US East Coast

Hurricane Erin, currently a Category 4 storm, is expected to bring dangerous surf and rip currents to the US East Coast after affecting the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos. Emergency preparations are urged as the hurricane continues on its unpredictable path.

Hurricane Erin has intensified into a Category 4 storm, posing a serious threat to the eastern coastline of the United States with forecasts of life-threatening surf and rip currents. The hurricane's heavy rain has already commenced in the south-eastern Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands, where a tropical storm warning has been activated. Although Erin is not predicted to make a direct landfall on these islands, substantial rainfall of up to six inches (15.2 cm) is anticipated.

Erin, marking the first hurricane of the 2025 Atlantic season, initially underwent rapid intensification into a Category 5 storm on Saturday before temporarily weakening and regaining strength. In Puerto Rico, the storm's high winds have resulted in over 150,000 electricity outages, according to local energy provider Luma. Fortunately, by Sunday evening, 95% of those affected had their power restored thanks to emergency repairs.

The hurricane's outer bands are beginning to impact the Bahamas, prompting the US National Hurricane Center (NHC) to advise residents to prepare for possible storms. Aarone Sargent, the managing director of the Bahamas Disaster Risk Management Authority, urged locals to familiarize themselves with shelter locations and have backup options ready. "These storms can be unpredictable and shift rapidly," he noted.

Forecasts indicate that Erin's core is likely to traverse near the southeastern Bahamas and could travel between Bermuda and the eastern US coast by midweek, maintaining its status as "a large and dangerous hurricane." The Outer Banks, a chain of islands off North Carolina's coast, are bracing for severe weather, leading to mandatory evacuations on Hatteras Island to ensure public safety. High surf and rip currents are expected to pose threats along the entire US East Coast as Hurricane Erin continues its current path.