Category 5 Hurricane Erin Set to Grow: Rare Intensity, Uncertain Path
Hurricane Erin has rapidly intensified into a rare Category 5 storm, a phenomenon becoming more common due to global warming. The storm’s rapid intensification puts it among the fastest-strengthening Atlantic hurricanes on record, with its peak strength occurring unusually early in the season. Erin is expected to produce dangerous surf and rip currents along the East Coast and the Bahamas, and its wind field is forecast to expand significantly. While avoiding direct landfall, Erin’s intensity is fueled by warmer-than-normal Atlantic waters, making it the first major hurricane of the season, with forecasters expecting above-average tropical activity overall.
John Q. Hosedrinker