MIAMI — Hurricane Erin is now slightly weaker but still a powerful Category 4. The hurricane rapidly intensified, becoming the first category 5 hurricane of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season.
As of 11 p.m. Saturday, Erin was located about 145 miles north-northeast of San Juan, Puerto Rico, moving west-northwest at 14 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center.
Maximum sustained winds now at 140 mph with higher gusts, and the storm’s central pressure measured 937 millibars.
The outer bands are impacting the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, bringing heavy rain and gusty wind.
A tropical storm watch is in effect for St. Martin, St. Barthelemy, Sint Maarten, and the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The NHC warned that tropical storm conditions could arrive within the next 12 hours in the Leeward Islands and within 48 hours in the Turks and Caicos. Interests in Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and the southeastern Bahamas should continue to monitor the storm.
Local 10 meteorologist Peta Sheerwood said Erin’s rapid intensification over the past 24 hours is striking.
“I do want to note that Erin rapidly intensified within the last 24 hours,” Sheerwood said. “Those wind speeds increased up to 85 mph in that period, going from a Category 1 hurricane yesterday at 75 mph to 160 mph this morning, measured by hurricane hunters.”
Sheerwood noted the storm’s outer bands are already impacting Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, bringing heavy rainfall and gusty winds.
Flash flood warnings are in effect for portions of the Virgin Islands through 10 p.m., with 1 to 2 inches of rain already reported and 2 to 4 inches more expected, along with isolated totals up to 6 inches. Flood watches remain in place through Monday evening.
While Florida is expected to remain offshore, Sheerwood cautioned residents to be aware of indirect impacts.
“The center of the circulation is likely to stay east of the Turks and Caicos and the southeastern Bahamas,” she said. “Even though it’s offshore, rough surf and a high rip current risk are possible along Florida’s Atlantic coast.”
The NHC said Erin is expected to gradually turn north early next week, with a slow weakening beginning Monday.
Hurricane-force winds extend up to 25 miles from the center, with tropical-storm-force winds extending up to 205 miles, mainly to the north.
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