Powerful Hurricane Erin Slams Caribbean, Triggers Evacuations and Dangerous Surf on US East Coast

As of August 18th, 2025, Hurricane Erin has strengthened into a powerful Category 4 storm, packing maximum sustained winds of 140 mph. The hurricane has been battering the Caribbean region, with its outer bands bringing heavy rain and localized flooding to islands like Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico.

In Puerto Rico, a US territory, weekend flooding has swamped homes and roads, particularly in the island's eastern regions. Widespread power outages have also left residents in the dark, though service has since been restored to more than 96% of customers.

Looking ahead, Erin is expected to grow dramatically in size as it begins curving northeast this week. The entire US East Coast will face a high risk of life-threatening surf and rip currents, which can be extremely dangerous. Coastal flooding, especially along North Carolina's Outer Banks, is also anticipated to begin on Tuesday and peak on Wednesday and Thursday, with portions of highways at risk of ocean overwash. Evacuations have been ordered for the islands of Ocracoke and Hatteras.

Wave heights of 20-30 feet, and at times exceeding 50 feet, will create treacherous marine conditions across the western Atlantic. Experts warn that the peripheral impacts of Hurricane Erin will be significant, despite the storm's core remaining over the open waters.