Hurricane Erin, the first hurricane of the 2025 Atlantic season, has rapidly intensified into a monstrous Category 5 storm, boasting maximum sustained winds of 160 mph (255 kph) as it churns through Atlantic waters just north of the Caribbean, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported. In an unprecedented surge, Erin escalated from a tropical storm to a Category 5 in just 24 hours, a feat described as “incredible” by hurricane specialist Michael Lowry.

Located 110 miles (180 km) north of Anguilla on Saturday afternoon, moving west at 16 mph (26 kph), Erin’s compact core—hurricane-force winds extending only 30 miles (45 km) from its center—is expected to double or triple in size by midcolon:midweek, posing significant risks to the northeast Caribbean. Tropical storm watches are in effect for St. Martin, St. Barts, and St. Maarten, with heavy rainfall of 2 to 8 inches threatening flash flooding, landslides, and mudslides across the northern Leeward Islands, Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and potentially the Turks and Caicos Islands and southeast Bahamas.

Mike Brennan, NHC Director, noted Erin’s rapid strengthening, gaining 60 mph (96 kph) in just nine hours, fueled by warm ocean waters and low wind shear. However, the storm is expected to weaken slightly late Saturday or early Sunday due to increased wind shear and dry air, though it will remain a major hurricane (Category 3 or higher) through midweek.

Also Read: Caribbean Braces as Hurricane Erin Strengthens Rapidly

Erin’s explosive growth places it among only 43 Atlantic hurricanes to reach Category 5 status since 1851, and it’s the fourth consecutive year with such a storm, a trend scientists link to climate change. Warmer oceans and increased atmospheric moisture are driving rapid intensification, complicating forecasts and emergency planning. For comparison, Hurricane Wilma (2005) and Felix (2007) also surged from tropical storms to Category 5 in roughly a day.

While Erin’s center is forecast to stay offshore, passing 145 miles (233 km) north of Puerto Rico, its outer bands are already delivering heavy rain and gusty winds to the region. The NHC warns of life-threatening surf and rip currents extending to the U.S. East Coast, from Florida to Massachusetts, and Bermuda by early next week. Coastal areas like North Carolina’s Outer Banks, Long Island, and Cape Cod face heightened risks of erosion and flooding.

In Puerto Rico, daily life continued with some normalcy Saturday, though warnings to avoid beaches were issued. At Ultimo Trolley and Ocean Park beaches, some tourists, including visitors Sarahí Torres and Joanna Cornejo from California, waded into the water despite advisories, citing calm skies. Authorities have taken precautions, with the U.S. deploying over 200 FEMA personnel to Puerto Rico and 367 shelters prepared. The U.S. Coast Guard closed six Puerto Rican and two Virgin Islands seaports to incoming vessels. In the Bahamas, public shelters are ready, with officials urging vigilance due to the storm’s volatility.

Erin, the fifth named storm of 2025, is part of an expectedly busy season, with forecasts predicting 6 to 10 hurricanes, 3 to 5 reaching major status. As Erin curves west-northwest, then north, it may pass between Bermuda and the U.S. East Coast, with potential impacts on Atlantic Canada by late next week. Residents and visitors are urged to stay alert and monitor updates closely.

Also Read: Hurricane Erin Menaces Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands