Overview

• The NHC projects Erin will become a Category 1 hurricane within about 48 hours, with potential rapid intensification to a major hurricane by this weekend.
• The NHC has warned of life-threatening surf and rip currents in the northern Leeward Islands, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands over the coming days.
• Forecast models diverge on Erin’s long-range path, with the most likely scenario keeping the storm offshore but some tracks turning west-northwest toward Bermuda and U.S. East Coast shores.
• Local authorities in Cabo Verde report severe flooding, evacuations and preliminary fatalities after Erin’s rapid organization near the archipelago.
• As the fifth named storm of an above-average Atlantic season, Erin underscores NOAA’s forecast for heightened activity and prompts agencies to urge preparedness from Bermuda through Atlantic Canada.