Hurricane Erin becomes first hurricane of 2025 Atlantic season

Hurricane Erin has officially become the first hurricane of the 2025 Atlantic season. The storm is located approximately 460 miles east of the northern Leeward Islands. Erin is moving west-northwest at 18 mph and is expected to continue this general motion through the weekend. On its current track, the storm is forecast to pass near or just north of the northern Leeward Islands on Saturday.

Maximum sustained winds have increased to 75 mph, making Erin a Category 1 hurricane. Erin is expected to strengthen rapidly over the next two to three days and could become a major hurricane during the weekend.

Hurricane-force winds currently extend outward up to 25 miles from the center, while tropical-storm-force winds reach up to 115 miles, mainly to the north.

A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for Anguilla and Barbuda, St. Martin and St. Barthelemy, Saba and St. Eustatius, and Sint Maarten. This means that tropical storm conditions are possible in these areas within the next 48 hours, likely beginning early Saturday.

In addition to strong winds, Erin’s outer rain bands are expected to bring heavy rainfall to the northern Leeward Islands, Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico from tonight through Sunday. This could lead to flash flooding, urban flooding, and localized landslides or mudslides, particularly in mountainous areas.

Residents in the northern Leeward Islands, Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico are being advised to monitor the progress of Hurricane Erin.