Hurricane Erin Weakens to Category 3, Threatens Caribbean with Heavy Rain

TDT | Manama

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Offshore Hurricane Erin was downgraded to a Category 3 storm early Sunday, as it lashed Caribbean islands with heavy rain. Weather officials warned of possible flash floods and landslides.

The first hurricane of this year’s Atlantic season, Erin briefly reached a “catastrophic” Category 5 before weakening. It is not expected to make landfall but could affect several Caribbean islands with strong winds and rainfall.

At 0600 GMT, Erin was located about 140 miles (225 kilometers) north of San Juan, Puerto Rico, with maximum sustained winds of 125 miles (205 kilometers) per hour, according to the Miami-based National Hurricane Center (NHC).

“The core of Erin is expected to pass east of the Turks and Caicos Islands and the southeastern Bahamas tonight and Monday,” the NHC said. It added that the storm’s intensity could fluctuate over the next day or two.

A tropical storm watch is in effect for the Turks and Caicos Islands. The Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and parts of the Bahamas are advised to monitor the storm. Some areas could see up to eight inches (20 centimeters) of rain.

In Puerto Rico, surfers and beachgoers were seen on the shore as swells generated by Erin approached. These large waves are expected to affect parts of the northern Leeward Islands, Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, and the Turks and Caicos Islands over the next few days. By early next week, the swells could reach the Bahamas, Bermuda, and the US East Coast, creating life-threatening surf and rip currents.

Meteorologists said Erin will likely stay offshore from the US, but dangerous waves and coastal erosion are possible, especially in areas like North Carolina.

Experts warn that the rapid intensification of storms like Erin is becoming more common due to rising sea temperatures linked to human-driven climate change. The Atlantic hurricane season, running from June to November, is expected to be stronger than usual, following a destructive season last year that included Hurricane Helene, which killed over 200 people in the southeastern US.