Alert! Hurricane Erin intensifies to 160 kmph, poised for major destruction — These countries are in its path
Babushahi Bureau
New Delhi, August 16, 2025: Hurricane Erin, brewing over the Atlantic Ocean, has rapidly gained strength and is on track to become a massive and dangerous storm in the coming days. The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) warned late Friday that Erin could intensify from Category 2 to Category 4 by Sunday, indicating its potential severity.
According to the NHC, Erin is currently passing north of the Leeward Islands. Within the next 24 hours, stormy conditions are expected in Anguilla, Saint Martin, Saint Barthelemy, Saba, Saint Eustatius, and Sint Maarten. As of 8 p.m. Friday, Erin’s wind speed was recorded at 85 mph, increasing to 100 mph (around 160 kmph) by 11 p.m.
Forecasters predict that Erin will pass dangerously close to the northern Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. Authorities have also advised residents of Turks and Caicos and the southeastern Bahamas to remain on high alert.
Minimal Threat to the US, But Coastal Impact Expected
Meteorologists say Erin is likely to stay far from southern Florida, with a very low chance of direct landfall in the United States. However, coastal areas from Florida to New England and Atlantic Canada could experience high surf and dangerous waves.
Hurricane Erin is expected to pass north of Puerto Rico with Category 3 or higher intensity. Its outer bands could bring up to 4 inches of rainfall to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands by Sunday, along with strong winds reaching 50 mph and potential landslides.