Hurricane Erin is a large and powerful Category 2 hurricane currently moving northward and away from the US East Coast, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC). While it is not expected to make landfall in the United States, its sheer size and proximity to the coast are generating dangerous conditions along beaches from Florida to New England.
Current situation
- Intensity: Erin remains a Category 2 hurricane with maximum sustained winds around 110 mph (180 kph), according to the NHC.
- Location and Movement:Â The hurricane is tracking north-northeast and is located roughly 200-300 miles east-southeast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. It is moving away from the coast at around 15-17 mph.
- Size:Â Erin is an unusually large hurricane, with tropical-storm-force winds extending out to 320 miles from its center. This broad wind field contributes to the widespread hazardous conditions along the coast, even though the storm remains offshore.Â
Hazards and warnings
- Dangerous Surf and Rip Currents: The most significant threat from Erin is the potential for life-threatening surf and rip currents along the entire East Coast, according to the NHC. Swimming advisories and closures are in effect at many beaches.
- Coastal Flooding and Erosion:Â High tides and large waves generated by Erin are causing coastal flooding and erosion, particularly along the North Carolina Outer Banks. Some homes in the Rodanthe area are at risk of collapse due to the relentless wave action and beach erosion. Highways in the Outer Banks, such as NC 12, may be partially or completely washed out due to the large waves and potential storm surge.
- Tropical Storm Conditions:Â Tropical storm conditions, including strong winds and rain, are being experienced in parts of North Carolina’s Outer Banks and are expected to spread northward along the Virginia coastline.Â
Forecast
- Erin is expected to continue moving north and then accelerate northeastward, passing between the US East Coast and Bermuda through early Friday.
- The storm is forecast to weaken in the coming days and is expected to become post-tropical on Saturday.
- Despite weakening, Erin’s large size means that dangerous surf and rip currents will likely persist for several days.Â
Looking ahead
The NHC is also monitoring two other areas for potential tropical development in the Atlantic. One area of thunderstorms behind Erin has a 70% chance of developing into the next named storm. However, current models suggest that this system will curve north faster than Erin and poses less of a threat to the US. Another area of interest, dubbed Invest 99L, is located southwest of the Cabo Verde Islands and has a 40% chance of development within the next seven days, according to the NHC.
