Hurricane Erin Intensifies, Causing Evacuations and Power Outages
Hurricane Erin has escalated into a formidable Category 4 storm, disrupting communities across the Atlantic and prompting mandatory evacuations in parts of North Carolina. The storm has already left over 155,000 customers without electricity in Puerto Rico, where its outer bands delivered heavy rains and damaging winds over the weekend, reports 24brussels.
In Dare County, North Carolina, officials declared a state of emergency and initiated mandatory evacuations for residents of Hatteras Island, part of the Outer Banks. Visitors were instructed to evacuate by Monday morning, while residents must leave by Tuesday at 8 a.m. due to forecasts of life-threatening surf, coastal flooding, and potential road washouts along Highway 12, a key route through the area.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) indicated that Erin’s hurricane-force winds extend up to 130 kilometers (80 miles) from its core, with tropical-storm-force winds reaching nearly 370 kilometers (230 miles). While no landfall is expected, the storm’s impressive size and wind field threaten to impact the U.S. East Coast, Bermuda, and portions of Atlantic Canada.
In Puerto Rico, Erin’s outer bands resulted in flash flooding, landslides, and widespread power outages. At the peak, 147,000 customers experienced outages, with Luma Energy reporting that as of Monday morning, 76,492 customers remained without power across Caguas, Mayagüez, and San Juan.
Governor Jenniffer González-Colón issued urgent advisories for residents to remain indoors as rainfall totals reached between 3 to 6 inches (75 to 150 mm), with isolated areas potentially receiving up to 8 inches (200 mm). The Coast Guard reopened ports in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands on Sunday as conditions began to improve.
Erin’s rapid intensification—from a Category 1 to Category 5 hurricane within just 24 hours—marks it as one of the fastest-strengthening storms recorded. Although the storm has slightly weakened, it still presents significant risks with sustained winds of 140 mph (225 km/h), affecting regions from Florida to New England with rip currents, beach erosion, and potential flooding.
Warnings for tropical storms remain in effect in the Turks and Caicos and southeastern Bahamas, where additional rainfall of up to 6 inches is anticipated through mid-week. Bermuda is also preparing for rough seas and possible tropical-storm-force winds later this week.
Forecasts indicate Erin will curve north-northeast between the U.S. East Coast and Bermuda, remaining offshore but continuing to create hazardous marine conditions. Emergency officials urge residents and tourists in vulnerable areas to avoid swimming, secure property, and adhere to evacuation orders.
