Dangerous Surf and Rip Currents Category 5 Hurricanes Erin Could Impact the East Coast

A hurricane is a powerful, rotation storm system characterized by strong winds and heavy rainfall, typically developing over tropical or subtropical waters. On average, the North Atlantic basin experiences roughly 14 named storms per year, with about 7 of these becoming hurricanes, and roughly 3 reaching major hurricanes, and roughly 3 reaching major hurricane status (category 3 or high)

The storm is not forecast to hit land, but its strong winds are impacting nearby islands, prompting warnings of possible flooding and landslides, The Associated Press reported.

There are tropical storm watches in effect for St. Martin, Sint Maarten and St. Barts, according to the hurricane center. A tropical storm warning was also issued for the Atlantic offshore waters of Puerto Rico, according to the National Weather Service field office in San Juan.

“We urge all residents and visitors to exercise caution and stay alert,” the country’s government warned, highlighting areas that are prone to flooding, including Arch Road and Beacon Hill Road.

The Virgin Islands also have a flood watch in effect through Monday evening, according to the Government House.

The hurricane remained a Category 5 storm Saturday evening, when it was located 135 miles (220 kilometers) northwest of Anguilla and moving west at 15 mph (24 kph). The storm’s center was forecast to remain at sea, passing 145 miles (233 kilometers) north of Puerto Rico, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Hurricane specialist and storm surge expert Michael Lowry said Erin gained strength at a pace that was “incredible for any time of year, let alone August 16th.”

Lowry said only four other Category 5 hurricanes have been recorded in the Atlantic on or before Aug. 16.

The most powerful storms tend to form later in the year, with the hurricane season typically peaking in mid-September.

In October 2005, Hurricane Wilma rocketed from a tropical storm to a Category 5 in less than 24 hours, according to National Hurricane Center advisories from that time. Wilma weakened to a Category 3 hurricane before striking Florida. And in October 2007, Hurricane Felix took just over a day to go from a tropical storm to Category 5.

Including Erin, there have been 43 hurricanes that have reached Category 5 status on record in the Atlantic, said Dan Pydynowski, senior meteorologist at AccuWeather, a private forecasting company.

To prepare for an impeding storm, the basics are to create an emergency plan, secure your home, gather supplies, and stay informed. You should know your evacuation route, have a disaster supply kit, and keep up with the latest weather reports.