San Juan, Puerto Rico – Tropical Storm Erin is churning westward through the central Atlantic, bringing the threat of heavy rain, dangerous surf, and tropical-storm-force winds to parts of the northern Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico by this weekend. The National Hurricane Center warns the storm’s core is expected to pass north of these islands, but hazardous conditions will extend well beyond its center.
According to the NHC’s Thursday morning advisory, Erin is packing sustained winds near 50 mph and moving west at 17 mph. While the storm’s exact impacts on the Bahamas, U.S. East Coast, and Bermuda next week remain uncertain, forecasters stress that the risk of life-threatening rip currents and large swells across the western Atlantic is increasing as the system approaches the climatological peak of hurricane season.
Residents in potentially affected areas are urged to review preparedness plans, avoid entering rough surf, and stay updated on local advisories. Coastal flooding and dangerous marine conditions could occur well ahead of the storm’s arrival.
Warnings and watches could be issued in the coming days as Erin strengthens, potentially reaching hurricane status over open waters.
