WASHINGTON: Hurricane Erin has intensified into a catastrophic Category 5 storm as it moves towards the Caribbean.
The US National Hurricane Center reported sustained winds reaching 160 miles per hour by late morning.
Located northeast of Anguilla, Erin is the first major hurricane of the Atlantic season.
“Erin is now a catastrophic Category 5 hurricane,“ the NHC stated in its latest advisory.
Tropical storm watches remain active for St Martin, St Barthelemy, and Sint Maarten.
Forecasters expect the storm to pass just north of the Leeward Islands, Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.
Isolated areas could receive up to six inches of rain, raising flood and landslide risks.
“Continued rapid strengthening is expected today,“ the NHC warned in an earlier update.
The storm may trigger flash floods, urban flooding, and mudslides in vulnerable areas.
Large swells from Erin will impact the northern Leeward Islands and nearby regions through the weekend.
These swells will later reach the Bahamas, Bermuda, and the US East Coast early next week.
“Life-threatening surf and rip currents” are likely along affected coastlines, officials cautioned.
Erin is projected to turn northward by late Sunday, staying off the US coastline.
Despite this, dangerous waves and coastal erosion remain possible, particularly in North Carolina.
The Atlantic hurricane season, running until November, is predicted to be unusually active.
Last year, Hurricane Helene caused over 200 deaths in the southeastern United States.
Budget cuts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have raised concerns about storm forecasting accuracy.
Scientists link rising sea temperatures to stronger and faster-developing hurricanes. - AFP
