News Summary
Florida faces significant threats from Hurricane Erin, currently a Category 2 storm with winds of 100 mph. Dangerous surf and rip currents are forecasted along the U.S. East Coast and Bermuda. Warnings are in place for North Carolina, where tropical storm conditions may lead to flooding. Emergency measures have been enacted, including evacuations. Beachgoers are advised to stay out of the water due to hazardous conditions. Updates on Erin’s trajectory and further developments will continue as the storm progresses.
Florida is facing elevated risks due to Hurricane Erin, which remains classified as a Category 2 storm as of the latest 5 a.m. advisory from the National Hurricane Center on August 20, 2025. The storm has sustained winds of 100 miles per hour and is currently moving north-northwest at a speed of 13 miles per hour.
While a decrease in wind speed has been noted, some strengthening of Hurricane Erin is anticipated over the next 24 hours. The predicted trajectory of the storm suggests it will traverse the western Atlantic, staying between the U.S. east coast and Bermuda from Wednesday through early Friday. Furthermore, Erin is expected to pass south of Atlantic Canada later this week.
Residents and visitors in South Florida should be aware of heightened surf conditions and rip current risks that are set to persist for several days. Dangerous surf and rip currents are expected to potentially threaten beachgoers along the Bahamas, much of the U.S. east coast, and Bermuda. As a precautionary measure, swim advisories have been issued across Florida’s coastline, with Palm Beach County facing a high risk of rip currents, while Broward and Miami-Dade counties experience a moderate risk.
Beachgoers are strongly advised to refrain from swimming, as dangerous rip currents and rough surf conditions can quickly lead to hazardous situations. Additionally, small craft operators should exercise caution due to forecasted increases in winds and wave heights, which are projected to rise to levels between 2 to 5 feet.
Tropical Storm Warnings are currently in effect for the coastline of North Carolina, stretching up to the Virginia border, while tropical storm watches extend into Virginia and Bermuda. It is predicted that North Carolina’s Outer Banks may experience tropical storm conditions and coastal flooding starting late Wednesday or into Wednesday night.
Forecasts indicate potential strong winds along the U.S. Mid-Atlantic and southern New England coasts on Thursday and Friday. The National Hurricane Center is also monitoring two additional areas of concern: one tropical wave over the central tropical Atlantic, which has a 60% chance of development over the next week, and another tropical wave located southeast of the Cabo Verde Islands, with a 30% chance of development soon. While these areas do not currently pose a threat to South Florida or the mainland U.S., updates will continue to be provided.
Emergency measures have been enacted along North Carolina’s coast, including a state of emergency and mandatory evacuations in several communities. Concerns over potential coastal flooding have prompted these actions, particularly as dangerous waves exceeding 20 feet are likely to impact protective structures, notably those on Ocracoke Island.
In light of the rough surf conditions, lifeguards at Wrightsville Beach have conducted over 60 rescues. These incidents underscore the significant dangers presented by the unruly seas, as noted by the National Weather Service, which has warned beachgoers about possible wave heights reaching 13 feet off the New Jersey coastline by Thursday.
Hurricane Erin, which formed on August 14, initially affected Puerto Rico, where power outages emerged, leaving approximately 147,000 customers without service. Most of those outages have since been resolved. Additionally, a Boy Scout troop stranded in the Virgin Islands has started fundraising efforts for housing and meals while they await a safe return home.
As Hurricane Erin continues to progress, officials recommend close attention to updates and advisories, particularly for residents in affected areas.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- CBS News: Hurricane Erin Path in South Florida
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Erin
- Palm Beach Post: Hurricane Erin and Surf Conditions
- Google Search: Hurricane Erin
- NBC News: Hurricane Erin Forecast
- Google Scholar: Hurricane Erin
- Sun-Sentinel: Hurricane Erin Intensifies
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane Erin
- TCPalm: Hurricane Erin Impacts Timing
- Google News: Hurricane Erin
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.
