It continues to push toward the northern Leeward Islands, where tropical storm watches are now in effect as of the 8 p.m. update from the National Hurricane Center. Intensification is expected as Erin moves toward warmer ocean temperatures over the next several days.

Hurricane Erin, the first hurricane of the 2025 Atlantic season, could bring dangerous rip currents to Maryland’s Eastern Shore next week while most likely remaining offshore.

Hurricane Erin has surged to Category 4 storm status and could bring dangerous surf and rip currents to the Jersey Shore next week as it remains far out to see.

The longstanding hurricane rating system, the Saffir-Simpson Scale, only takes into account sustained wind speeds and not the full devastating impact of a hurricane.

Tropical Storm Erin is expected to become a hurricane later today, Aug. 15, and a Category 4 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 130 mph over the weekend. A major hurricane is a Category 3 or stronger, with maximum sustained winds of at least 111 mph.

Erin has strengthened into a hurricane as it approaches Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, bringing heavy rains that could cause flooding and landslides.

Erin has strengthened into a hurricane as it approaches Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, bringing heavy rains that could cause flooding and landslides.

Strengthening your home, creating an evacuation plan, documenting possessions, and building an emergency savings buffer are practical steps to protect yourself and your property if hurricane-specific insurance is unavailable.