Hurricane Erin Intensifies Threatens US Coast
Hurricane Erin Strengthens to Category 3, Threatens U.S. East Coast
MIAMI – Hurricane Erin has rapidly intensified into a Category 3 storm after a historic burst of strengthening over the weekend, which scientists say was fueled by human-driven climate change. The storm briefly reached Category 5 strength before weakening slightly.
The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported that Erin is now packing maximum sustained winds of 125 miles (205 kilometers) per hour, moving northwest at 8 mph.
Forecasters say Erin is “unusually large,” with hurricane-force winds stretching 80 miles from its center and tropical-storm-force winds extending out 230 miles. Outer rain bands are expected to drench Cuba and the Dominican Republic through Monday, with impacts spreading to the Turks and Caicos and the southeastern Bahamas into Tuesday. Some areas could see up to four inches (10 centimeters) of rainfall.
U.S. East Coast Prepares for Impact
NHC Deputy Director Jamie Rhome warned Americans not to be complacent just because the storm is tracking offshore. “Nothing could be further from the truth for portions of the Mid-Atlantic, especially the Outer Banks of North Carolina,” he said.
From Wednesday into Thursday, coastal flooding, storm surge, and waves reaching 20 feet (six meters) could hit the region. Authorities fear dunes could be breached, flooding homes and roads, and making some communities inaccessible. Evacuation orders are already in place for Ocracoke and Hatteras islands in North Carolina.
Beginning Tuesday, much of the U.S. East Coast is expected to face life-threatening surf and rip currents.
Puerto Rico Hit Hard
In Puerto Rico, flooding over the weekend swamped homes and roads in the island’s east, while power outages left many without electricity. Service has since been largely restored.
Climate Change Connection
Experts say Erin’s explosive growth is another reminder of how climate change is intensifying storms. “Erin is one of the fastest, most intense storms in the modern record,” said Daniel Gilford, a climate scientist at Climate Central.
The storm strengthened over waters that were made up to 100 times more likely by climate change, according to Climate Central. Scientists explain that hurricanes act like “heat engines,” drawing energy from warm oceans to generate stronger winds.
The Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30, is now entering its peak. While activity was quiet early on, NOAA still forecasts an “above-normal” season, fueled by warmer sea-surface temperatures and an active West African monsoon.
A typical season produces 14 named storms, including seven hurricanes and three major hurricanes. This year, scientists warn, the risk is higher.
Experts widely agree: warming oceans, higher sea levels, and a hotter atmosphere are making hurricanes more destructive, and possibly more frequent.
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