Miami, FL – Hurricane Erin has officially become the first hurricane of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, with forecasters warning the system could intensify into a major hurricane as it approaches the northern Leeward Islands this weekend.
According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Erin was located about 460 miles east of the islands as of 11 a.m. AST Friday, moving west-northwest at 18 mph with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph. Hurricane-force winds currently extend 25 miles from the center, while tropical-storm-force winds reach up to 115 miles, primarily to the north.
NOAA and U.S. Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft measured higher wind gusts during reconnaissance flights earlier Friday. The NHC said steady to rapid strengthening is possible over the next two to three days, with Erin likely to reach major hurricane status before or during its pass near the islands.
The projected track shows Erin moving near or just north of the northern Leeward Islands late Saturday into Sunday. Residents in the region are urged to closely monitor updates and prepare for the potential of damaging winds, heavy rainfall, and dangerous surf conditions.
Marine warnings remain in effect for parts of the Atlantic, Caribbean, and southwest North Atlantic, with forecasters also monitoring a separate disturbance in the Gulf of Mexico showing a low chance of cyclone development over the next week.
The 2025 hurricane season is already forecast to be above average, according to NOAA predictions released earlier this year. Officials emphasize the importance of having emergency plans in place and staying informed through official weather updates.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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