Forecasters are warning of potentially life-threatening flooding along the US East Coast due to rising sea levels spurred by Hurricane Erin.
Erin, currently classified as a Category 3 storm, is anticipated to expand in size as it progresses northward in the western Atlantic Ocean.
While the storm is not projected to make landfall, dangerous currents and waves are expected to impact the Bahamas, Bermuda, the US East Coast, and Canada’s Atlantic coast.
A tropical storm warning has been issued for the Turks and Caicos Islands and the southeastern Bahamas, while a storm surge watch is in effect for the Outer Banks, a chain of islands off the coast of North Carolina.
The US National Hurricane Center projects the storm’s center will pass east of the Bahamas on Tuesday.
On Wednesday and Thursday, the storm is expected to track northwards between Bermuda and the US East Coast.
The Outer Banks are already preparing for heavy surf and strong winds.
Authorities have mandated evacuations for the islands of Hatteras and Ocracoke, citing concerns that the primary highway connecting them to other islands could become impassable.
Swimmers and surfers are cautioned about the potential formation of deadly rip currents along the entire US East Coast, characterized by currents flowing away from the shore that can rapidly pull individuals into the ocean.
Local news outlets reported that dozens of individuals were rescued from rip currents on Monday at Wrightsville Beach in North Carolina.
Meteorologists describe Erin as “unusually large” and anticipate further expansion.
As of 05:00 local time (09:00 GMT), the storm possessed maximum sustained winds of 115mph (185 km/h).
BBC Weather’s lead presenter Helen Willetts stated: “Although a direct landfall is not anticipated at this stage, the storm will bring substantial rainfall, potentially leading to flash flooding, coastal inundation from storm surge, wind damage, and hazardous rip currents.”
“We have already observed significant rainfall in Puerto Rico – 82mm in 24 hours – and in Anguilla, 62.3mm,” she added.
Erin, the first hurricane of the 2025 Atlantic season, underwent “explosive deepening and intensification” on Saturday, reaching Category 5 status, and has since experienced fluctuations in strength.
In Turks and Caicos, a British Overseas Territory, authorities have suspended public services on the largest island and advised residents in vulnerable areas to prepare for potential evacuation.
Moreover, over 150,000 people in Puerto Rico were left without power after high winds damaged electricity lines, according to local energy company Luma.
The company reported that emergency repairs were conducted, and by Sunday evening local time, 95% of its customers had their electricity restored.
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