Puerto Rico, August 17, 2025
News Summary
Hurricane Erin has rapidly intensified from a tropical storm to a Category 5 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 160 mph. The storm is currently about 140 miles north of San Juan, Puerto Rico, moving west-northwest at 14 mph. Although it has since downgraded to a Category 4, authorities are warning of significant threats including heavy rainfall, flash flooding, and power outages affecting around 130,000 customers in Puerto Rico. The East Coast also braces for hazardous rip currents as Erin continues to strengthen.
San Juan, Puerto Rico – Hurricane Erin, the first Atlantic hurricane of 2025, has rapidly intensified from a tropical storm to a Category 5 hurricane, reaching maximum sustained winds of 160 mph. As of early Sunday, the storm was situated approximately 140 miles north of San Juan and was moving west-northwest at a speed of 14 mph. Though it later downgraded to a Category 4 hurricane, Erin continues to pose significant threats to Puerto Rico and surrounding regions.
As heavy rain and gusty winds are anticipated across Puerto Rico, authorities are warning residents of potential flash flooding, landslides, and mudslides. An estimated 130,000 customers in Puerto Rico experienced power outages by Saturday night as the storm makes its approach. In addition, tropical storm watches are currently in effect for St. Martin, St. Barts, and St. Maarten, indicating that these locations should prepare for possible trouble.
The U.S. East Coast is also bracing for the impact of Erin as forecasters have issued warnings about hazardous rip currents that could affect areas like North Carolina’s Outer Banks, Long Island, and Cape Cod, despite the hurricane forecasted to stay offshore. Meteorologists have reported, through various equipment, waves reaching as high as 27 feet off the coast of Puerto Rico due to the storm’s strong influence.
Erin, while compact, is significant in strength, with hurricane-force winds extending up to 30 miles from its center. The National Hurricane Center indicates that the storm is expected to turn northward and maintain its status as a major hurricane (Category 3 or higher) through midweek. Projections suggest that it will lead to heavy rainfall between 2 to 4 inches, exacerbating the risk of flash floods in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
This rapid intensification is significant, as only four other hurricanes reaching Category 5 status have been recorded in the Atlantic prior to August 16. Experts correlate the rapid intensification of hurricanes like Erin with climate change, particularly emphasizing the role of warmer ocean temperatures.
In preparation for the storm, local officials in Puerto Rico and the Bahamas have implemented emergency measures, including the inspection of shelters and coordinated deployments of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The National Hurricane Center continues to monitor Hurricane Erin closely as it navigates through the region.
Important Details On Hurricane Erin
- Category: Initially Category 5, now downgraded to Category 4
- Maximum Sustained Winds: 160 mph, currently 140 mph
- Flight Path: Moving west-northwest at 14 mph
- Expected Impacts: Heavy rain, flash flooding, landslides, mudslides
- Tropical Storm Watches: In effect for St. Martin, St. Barts, and St. Maarten
- Waves Reported: Up to 27 feet near Puerto Rico
- Current Location: 140 miles north of San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Power Outages: Approximately 130,000 customers affected
The Background on Tropical Cyclones
Hurricanes are classified into categories based on their sustained wind speeds. A Category 5 hurricane features winds exceeding 157 mph, representing the highest level of intensity on the Saffir-Simpson scale. Rapid hurricane intensification, as seen with Erin, is becoming more common and is often attributed to changing climate patterns and increasing sea surface temperatures.
For residents in threatened regions, preparation measures can significantly affect safety and recovery post-storm. Local shelters and resource deployment help mitigate risks associated with severe weather events.
Frequently Asked Questions
What category is Hurricane Erin as of Sunday morning?
Hurricane Erin was initially a Category 5 storm but has now been downgraded to a Category 4 hurricane.
How fast are the winds currently?
The maximum sustained winds are currently at 140 mph as the storm moves toward Puerto Rico.
What areas are under tropical storm watches?
Tropical storm watches are in effect for St. Martin, St. Barts, and St. Maarten.
What kind of impact is expected on Puerto Rico?
Heavy rain, gusty winds, flash flood risks, landslides, and mudslides are expected as the storm approaches Puerto Rico.
Key Features of Hurricane Erin
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Category | Category 4 |
| Maximum Winds | 140 mph |
| Location | 140 miles north of San Juan |
| Power Outages | 130,000 customers affected |
| Expected Rainfall | 2 – 4 inches |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Housing Survey Launched for Outer Banks Workers
Hazardous Beach Conditions Issued for Outer Banks
Courageous Rescue at Outer Banks Saves Woman and Child
Dare County EMT Recovering from Venomous Snake Bite
High Risk of Life-Threatening Rip Currents in Outer Banks
Additional Resources
- USA Today: Hurricane Erin Major Storm Tracker
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Erin
- NBC News: Hurricane Erin Strengthens
- Google Search: Hurricane Erin
- Reuters: Hurricane Erin Strengthens
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane Erin
- ABC News: Hurricane Erin Strengthens
- Google News: Hurricane Erin
- CNBC: Tropical Storm Erin Expected to Strengthen
- Weather.com: Major Hurricane Erin Video
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare 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 the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
