Hurricane Erin is making waves—literally and figuratively—along the US East Coast and the Caribbean, sparking warnings and evacuations as it intensifies. As the storm approaches, coastal communities brace for heavy surf, storm surges, and heavy rainfall.
Impact on the Caribbean
Over the weekend, Erin battered Caribbean islands with furious winds and torrential rains, causing flooding and damage as it peaked momentarily as a Category 5 hurricane. Puerto Rico faced especially challenging conditions, reporting widespread flooding and power outages, although service has mostly been restored.
Warnings for the US East Coast
The National Hurricane Center has flagged Davis and Hyde counties in North Carolina for serious dangers, as Erin’s storm surge and heavy surf threaten to flood homes and make roads impassable. The storm is expected to trigger:
- Waves reaching up to six metres.
- Coastal flooding peaking during high tide on Thursday.
- Evacuations for Ocracoke and Hatteras islands.
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein has declared a state of emergency, enabling access to resources for storm preparedness. Meanwhile, authorities are urging residents and tourists to heed evacuation orders, despite some locals opting to stay behind.
The Science Behind the Storm
Scientists have attributed Erin’s rapid intensification to climate change. The storm has been described as “unusually large,” with hurricane-force winds extending up to 128 km from its centre. Daniel Gilford, a climate scientist at Climate Central, noted that warmer ocean surface temperatures fuel the hurricane’s strength.
Looking Ahead
The Atlantic hurricane season, which runs until 30 November, is anticipated to remain active due to warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures and other climatic factors. NOAA is forecasting more storms to follow, making this situation a stark reminder of the changing patterns in our environment.