August 18, 2025

Hurricane Erin Strengthens to Category 4

News Summary

Hurricane Erin has regained strength, now classified as a Category 4 storm, impacting the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico with strong winds and heavy rains. As it moves northwest, meteorologists predict it could intensify further. Residents in affected areas are advised to prepare for 2 to 8 inches of rainfall, high surf warnings, and possible evacuations in North Carolina. The hurricane has already left thousands without power in Puerto Rico. With the storm season underway, caution is advised as Erin continues its path through the Atlantic.

Hurricane Erin Roars Back to Life as a Category 4 Storm!

Hurricane Erin has made quite the splash, regaining its strength as a Category 4 hurricane last night, bringing with it strong gusts and heavy rains across the beautiful Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. As Erin continues its journey through the Caribbean, residents are feeling the effects of its outer bands, which have been delivering quite a punch with their winds and downpours.

What’s Happening with Erin?

Currently, Erin is swirling about 130 miles east-southeast of Grand Turk Island and approximately 965 miles south-southeast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. The storm is moving northwest at a brisk 12 mph while packing maximum sustained winds of 130 mph. It briefly flirted with Category 5 status on Saturday morning, showcasing its power, but has since fluctuated between Category 4 and Category 3 overnight. However, it has remained a major hurricane throughout.

The Road Ahead for Erin

As we look ahead, meteorologists predict that Erin could continue to strengthen due to favorable conditions in the atmosphere for at least another day. The hurricane’s core is on track to pass east of the Turks and Caicos Islands and the southeastern Bahamas overnight, with a projected location just a few hundred miles west of Bermuda by late Wednesday.

Rain and Surf Warnings

Areas in Erin’s path are bracing for some serious rainfall. Expect anywhere from 2 to 4 inches of rain, with some isolated spots potentially seeing up to 8 inches. This downpour increases the risk of flash flooding, particularly in Puerto Rico and nearby areas. It’s a good reminder for residents to stay aware of their surroundings and prepare for any potential emergency situations!

And it’s not just the rain that poses a threat! A high surf advisory has been issued for multiple beaches in Puerto Rico, warning that waves could peak between 7 to 13 feet through Monday morning. The U.S. Coast Guard has even had to jump into action, rescuing two divers who were swept away by the dangerous swells near St. Croix.

Coastal Concerns

Your vacation plans might need to be tweaked too! The U.S. East Coast is expected to experience some rough ocean conditions, with life-threatening surf and rip currents forecasted along the beaches in the Bahamas, Bermuda, and Atlantic Canada over the next few days. In North Carolina, areas like the Outer Banks and coastal Virginia are looking at several feet of storm surge, which will likely lead to flooding and beach erosion.

Impact on Utilities

In Puerto Rico, the hurricane has already caused quite a stir, with over 50,000 utility customers left without power as Erin hit. Thankfully, by 7:30 p.m. last night, the power grid operator announced that 95.1% of customers had their electrical service restored, albeit after some frustrating interruptions. It’s a reminder of how important it is to be prepared during these stormy seasons.

Precautions and State of Emergency

In light of the impending weather, Dare County in North Carolina has declared a state of emergency, ordering the evacuation of Hatteras Island starting Monday. Local emergency management agencies are advising residents to prepare for possible coastal flooding and to keep an eye on any necessary evacuations.

A Look at the Season

As Erin is the first hurricane of the 2025 Atlantic storm season, let’s remember that this season runs until November 30. Typically, we see the most action between mid-August and mid-October, so folks should stay tuned and be prepared as we watch Erin’s path unfold.

Stay safe and make sure to check in with your local updates to keep informed as Hurricane Erin continues to make its way through the Atlantic!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER

ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

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