Hurricane Erin Triggers Coastal Warnings After Rapid Strengthening. Hurricane Erin has sparked urgent warnings from the U.S. East Coast to Atlantic Canada after surging from a Category 1 to a rare Category 5 storm within 24 hours. Now a Category 3, it remains dangerous and could re-strengthen.
Though not expected to make U.S. landfall, Erin’s massive wind field may bring coastal flooding, erosion, and dangerous surf. Flash flooding is also forecast for the northern Leeward Islands, Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.
Experts blame warm ocean waters and low wind shear for the storm’s explosive growth. Authorities urge coastal communities to stay alert as Erin tracks north.
