Hurricane Erin Intensifies In Atlantic, Eyes Caribbean

AFP/APP

Washington: Hurricane Erin intensified over the Atlantic on Friday as forecasters warned that the storm could rapidly strengthen into a major hurricane while bringing heavy rain, flooding and dangerous coastal conditions to parts of the Caribbean.
According to the US National Hurricane Center (NHC), Erin’s maximum sustained winds reached 85 miles (137 kilometres) per hour by 0000 GMT. The storm was located around 310 miles (500 kilometres) east of the northern Leeward Islands, which include the US and British Virgin Islands.
The hurricane is expected to bring heavy rainfall from Friday through Sunday across the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. The NHC warned that some areas could experience significant flash and urban flooding, as well as landslides and mudslides.
A tropical storm watch was in effect for Anguilla, St Martin, St Barthelmy and several other islands.
Forecasters expect Erin to strengthen steadily or rapidly over the coming days, with the storm potentially becoming a major hurricane during the weekend. Haiti, the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas remain near the southern edge of its projected path.
Some areas could receive up to six inches (15 centimetres) of rain, particularly where rainfall becomes concentrated.
Beyond rainfall, Erin is also expected to generate powerful swells across the Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. The NHC warned that the resulting surf and rip currents could create life-threatening conditions for beachgoers and coastal communities.
Meteorologists expect Erin to turn northward by late Sunday, keeping the storm well away from the US coastline. However, its powerful swells could still produce dangerous surf and coastal erosion, particularly along parts of North Carolina.
Erin is the first hurricane of the Atlantic season, which runs from June through late November. US forecasters have predicted a more active-than-normal season.
The storm arrives amid renewed scrutiny of the US hurricane forecasting system. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which oversees the NHC, has faced budget reductions and staff cuts under President Donald Trump’s plans to shrink the federal government, raising concerns about the agency’s capacity during an increasingly demanding hurricane season.
Scientists have also linked warmer ocean temperatures associated with climate change to a greater likelihood of more intense hurricanes and faster storm intensification.
Last year, the region experienced several devastating storms, including Hurricane Helene, which killed more than 200 people in the southeastern United States.