Hurricane Erin is swirling in the North Atlantic, situated far off the coast of New England. While it navigates the ocean, it’s causing rip currents along the U.S. East Coast, Bermuda, and Atlantic Canada. This storm, which has winds reaching up to 90 mph, is shifting into what experts call a mid-latitude cyclone and will soon be labeled post-tropical.
As of early Friday, Erin was roughly equidistant from Bermuda and Halifax, Nova Scotia. The storm’s wide reach — winds extending up to 700 miles — has already stirred up high surf and dangerous conditions for beachgoers. Thankfully, Erin hasn’t made landfall during its lifecycle. However, it did lead to nine casualties from flash floods in the Cabo Verde Islands just before it was named a storm. Additionally, there’s at least one confirmed death linked to Erin in the Dominican Republic.
Michael Lowry, a hurricane expert, points out that Erin’s size is exceptional. Out of about 350 Atlantic hurricanes in the past 60 years, fewer than 15 have grown to its magnitude, placing it in the top 4%. Interestingly, since 1966, only one storm — Superstorm Sandy — has been larger and tracked so closely to the U.S. coastline.
Coastal flooding peaked last Thursday night in various regions, including Duck, North Carolina, and parts of Virginia. Reports indicated that nine states observed minor to moderate flooding due to the storm’s impact.
Turning to other weather developments, a system called Invest 90L is forming in the Atlantic. This disturbance could turn into a tropical storm by early next week. It’s located several hundred miles northeast of the Leeward Islands and is currently disorganized. Forecast models show an 80% chance of this system picking up strength, especially as it moves into warmer waters.
There’s growing concern because 90L could affect Bermuda as it curves northwest. The sea surface temperatures are unusually warm, which typically favors storm development. This makes its path worthy of closer observation.
Another system, Invest 99L, is also making its way across the Atlantic. Even though it has potential, dry air and wind conditions are slowing its development. Currently, it has a 40% chance of strengthening in the next few days, with influence expected on the Windward and southern Leeward Islands soon.
Monitoring weather systems like these is crucial, especially as climate change alters storm behaviors. More frequent and intense storms have become a reality, bringing renewed attention to emergency preparedness and community resilience. For updated statistics and insights, you can check resources from the [National Hurricane Center](https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/) and other trusted weather authorities.
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Bob Henson,hurricane,Jeff Masters
