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States er declaring state of emergency, as forecasts predict life-threatening conditions.
States er declaring state of emergency, as forecasts predict life-threatening conditions.
What is happening?
The state of New Jersey has declared a state of emergency as Hurricane Erin churns off the Atlantic coast, bringing with it threats of coastal flooding, strong rip currents, and gale-force winds.
Officials are urging caution despite the storm not making direct landfall.
Ongoing life-threatening conditions
Even as Hurricane Erin slowly drifts away from North America, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) maintains that it still poses a serious risk to life.
Early Friday updates emphasized that dangerous conditions continue along both the US and Canadian coastlines.
Hurricane Erin to weaken before reaching Europe
Erin, the first hurricane of the Atlantic season, is gradually losing strength and is expected to lose hurricane status before reaching Europe.
Nonetheless, the system will still bring rain and turbulent weather across parts of Europe early next week., especially UK.
Storm surge and high winds hit the East Coast
A storm surge of up to one metre (3ft) is forecast in coastal areas of Virginia, Rhode Island, and eastern Canada.
Erin’s hurricane-force winds extend up to 125 miles (205km) from its center, driving dangerous surf and beach erosion throughout the region.
New Jersey emergency alert
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency Thursday afternoon, citing the effects of rip currents, high winds, and flooding across the Jersey Shore.
“Today and tomorrow will be no exception,” he warned, urging residents to stay alert.
Massachusetts and Canada brace for more impact
Massachusetts, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland are also in Erin’s path.
Canadian authorities have warned of “large waves, pounding surf, and higher than normal water levels” particularly along the Burin and southern Avalon Peninsulas.
Beach closures and rip current warnings in effect
With powerful rip currents sweeping along the US east coast, authorities have advised beachgoers to avoid swimming.
The NHC warns that these currents are strong enough to pull swimmers out to sea—posing deadly risks even for experienced swimmers.
Hurricane season 2025 predicted to be above average
Experts anticipate an above-normal number of storms this hurricane season, which runs from June through November.
Rising sea temperatures—exacerbated by climate change—are creating ideal conditions for more frequent and intense hurricanes.
North Carolina also declares emergency amid rising risk
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein issued an emergency order earlier in the week, particularly after dozens of beach rescues in Wrightsville.
Evacuations were ordered in the Outer Banks, where fears grew that barrier islands like Hatteras could be cut off.
Power outages mark Erin’s wake
Puerto Rico saw over 150,000 people lose power due to damaged electricity lines because of Erin’s power.
