Hurricane Erin Weakens to Category 3 but Expected to Re-Strengthen

0

Hurricane Erin, the first hurricane of the 2025 Atlantic season, weakened to a Category 3 storm overnight with maximum winds of 125 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center’s Sunday morning update. Officials caution the weakening is temporary, as the storm is expected to re-intensify after completing an eyewall replacement cycle.

Current Location and Movement

As of Sunday morning, Erin was about 170 miles north-northwest of San Juan, Puerto Rico, and 270 miles east-southeast of Grand Turk Island, moving west-northwest at 14 mph.

Impacts on Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands

Erin’s outer bands continue to deliver heavy rain and gusty winds. Radar estimates show 3 to 6 inches of rainfall in parts of the U.S. Virgin Islands and 2 to 4 inches across northern Puerto Rico. Flash flood warnings remain in effect, with totals up to 8 inches possible, raising risks of flooding, mudslides, and landslides. Conditions are expected to improve later today in the Virgin Islands and tonight in Puerto Rico.

Warnings for Surrounding Islands

Tropical storm warnings are in effect for the Turks and Caicos, while the southeast Bahamas remain under tropical storm watches. Erin’s outer bands are expected to bring strong winds and heavy rain to these islands.

Forecast Path

The storm is projected to slow down and curve northward in the coming days, influenced by a weakening Bermuda High and a cold front along the East Coast. Forecast models continue to steer Erin between Bermuda and the U.S. mainland, keeping direct impacts away from the continental U.S.

Threats to the U.S. East Coast

While landfall is not expected, Erin’s growing size will generate dangerous surf and rip currents along the Eastern Seaboard from Florida’s Space Coast to New England. By Thursday, wave heights of 8 to 12 feet are possible along the Carolina coast, posing risks of beach erosion and property damage.

For more on hurricane preparedness, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.