Hurricane Erin strengthens to a fierce Category 5 storm in the Atlantic
Source: USA Today
Updated Aug. 16, 2025, 12:39 p.m. ET
Hurricane Erin has strengthened into a fearsome Category 5 hurricane with sustained winds of 160 mph as the storm travels west over the Atlantic.
The hurricane is not expected to make a direct hit on the United States, but it will still drive dangerous surf conditions along the East Coast. Erin is expected to make a turn to the west-northwest later in the day and a turn north after the weekend, passing north of islands in the Caribbean.
"We still expect this to eventually make a more northward turn and stay offshore of the East Coast of the United States. So that certainly is good news when dealing with a storm this powerful," AccuWeather senior meteorologist Dan Pydynowski told USA TODAY.
Erin is only the fifth Category 5 hurricane on record to form this early in the hurricane season and the only Category 5 observed outside the Gulf or Caribbean this early in the year, according to WPLG-TV hurricane specialist Michael Lowry. Under the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, the minimum threshold for Category 5 winds is 157 mph. Category 5 hurricanes are the strongest possible, according to the scale.
Read more: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/weather/2025/08/16/hurricane-erin-major-storm-tracker/85688851007/
The peak of the (Atlantic) hurricane season is September.
https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/text/refresh/MIATCUAT5+shtml/161520.shtml
WTNT65 KNHC 161520
TCUAT5
Hurricane Erin Tropical Cyclone Update
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL AL052025
1120 AM AST Sat Aug 16 2025
...AIR FORCE RESERVE HURRICANE HUNTERS FIND ERIN IS NOW A
CATASTROPHIC CATEGORY 5 HURRICANE...
Reports from an Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft
indicate that Erin has become a Category 5 hurricane on the
Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale with maximum sustained winds
near 160 mph (255 km/h). The minimum pressure has fallen to near
917 mb (27.08 inches). The next intermediate advisory will be issued
at 200 PM AST (1800 UTC).
SUMMARY OF 1120 AM AST...1520 UTC...INFORMATION
----------------------------------------------
LOCATION...19.7N 62.8W
ABOUT 105 MI...170 KM N OF ANGUILLA
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...160 MPH...255 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT...W OR 280 DEGREES AT 17 MPH...28 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...917 MB...27.08 INCHES
$$
Forecaster Beven/Kelly
= new reply since forum marked as read
It was undergoing an ERC (Eyewall Replacement Cycle) - meaning as it continued to move into more and more favorable conditions, the width of entire cyclone began to expand in size, that pulled energy from the center, and eventually disrupted the original eye, which weakened the whole thing (although the storm continues its spinning).
But over time, it eventually reestablishes a new, now wider eye, and as long as it continues to move through favorable conditions (not much shear, not much or any interaction with land, and warm water), it will continue to restrengthen..
ETA - the latest cone as of ~5 am EDT -
130 mph sustained is a minimal Cat 4 - https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutsshws.php
(snip)
1 74-95 mph
64-82 kt
119-153 km/h
Very dangerous winds will produce some damage: Well-constructed frame homes could have damage to roof, shingles, vinyl siding and gutters. Large branches of trees will snap and shallowly rooted trees may be toppled. Extensive damage to power lines and poles likely will result in power outages that could last a few to several days.
2 96-110 mph
83-95 kt
154-177 km/h
Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage: Well-constructed frame homes could sustain major roof and siding damage. Many shallowly rooted trees will be snapped or uprooted and block numerous roads. Near-total power loss is expected with outages that could last from several days to weeks.
3
(major) 111-129 mph
96-112 kt
178-208 km/h
Devastating damage will occur: Well-built framed homes may incur major damage or removal of roof decking and gable ends. Many trees will be snapped or uprooted, blocking numerous roads. Electricity and water will be unavailable for several days to weeks after the storm passes.
4
(major) 130-156 mph
113-136 kt
209-251 km/h
Catastrophic damage will occur: Well-built framed homes can sustain severe damage with loss of most of the roof structure and/or some exterior walls. Most trees will be snapped or uprooted and power poles downed. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.
5
(major) 157 mph or higher
137 kt or higher
252 km/h or higher
Catastrophic damage will occur: A high percentage of framed homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last for weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.