Tropical Storm Erin continues to progress, and is set to become the first major hurricane of the 2025 season. As the storm moves westward over the warm waters of the Atlantic toward the Caribbean, the National Hurricane Center predicts that Erin will reach hurricane strength by Thursday, Aug. 14.
The tropical storm currently has maximum sustained winds of 45 miles per hour, with gusts extending up to 35 miles from its center. Hurricane classification begins when sustained wind speeds reach 74 miles per hour or greater.
As of Wednesday morning, Erin is located approximately 1,400 miles east of the northern Leeward Islands. The storm is expected to begin west-northwest movement Thursday night.
The significance of impact is still unknown, but forecasters are urging those in the northern Leeward Islands, Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico to track progress, as these are the areas most likely to experience effects.
It is still unknown if the storm will reach the United States. The most reliable computer models currently show Tropical Storm Erin curving away from the U.S. east coast. Areas that could potentially be affected include the coastal areas of North Carolina, Long Island, Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard, though the storm is still thousands of miles from the U.S..
Weather Trader metoerolist Ryan Mau said in an email to USA TODAY that., “It is too soon to discount – or pinpoint – USA landfall impacts from Erin but based upon current model guidance – the chance RIGHT NOW is low, at less than 10%.”
Although impact on the U.S. is unlikely, the National Hurricane Center says that “As we approach the climatological peak of the hurricane season, this is an opportune time to ensure your preparedness plans are in place.”
