Photo: National Hurricane Center
Hurricane Erin has undergone rapid intensification and is now a Category 5 hurricane.
Maximum sustained winds have surged to 160 mph, with higher gusts reported by NOAA and Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft. Erin’s eye has shown signs of wobbling westward, but the general motion is expected to continue through the weekend, followed by a gradual turn north early next week.
On its current track, Erin is forecast to pass just north of the northern Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico over the weekend. Continued strengthening is expected today, though fluctuations in intensity may occur as the system interacts with atmospheric conditions.
Residents in the projected path are urged to monitor updates and prepare for potential impacts, including dangerous winds, heavy rainfall, and coastal flooding.
The National Hurricane Center reports a low to moderate risk of rip currents from Florida's east coast north through the Carolinas increasing through Wednesday.
Photo: National Hurricane Center