Weather Updates

Hurricane Hunters Track Erin as Storm Threatens USVI With Outer Bands, Flood Risk, and Dangerous Surf

Tropical Storm Erin is closing in on the northern Leeward Islands, with the National Hurricane Center’s (NHC) 5:00 a.m. AST advisory on Friday placing the storm about 570 miles (920 km) east of the region. The system was moving west-northwest at 17 mph (28 km/h) with maximum sustained winds of 70 mph (110 km/h) and a minimum central pressure of 997 mb. Tropical Storm Watches remain in effect for Anguilla, Barbuda, St. Martin, St. Barthelemy, Saba, St. Eustatius, and Sint Maarten, meaning tropical-storm conditions are possible within 48 hours. The NHC is urging residents of the U.S. Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico to closely monitor Erin’s progress. The Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunters have deployed a crew to St. Croix to collect vital meteorological data on Erin, with missions beginning Thursday night. Data from these reconnaissance flights will help forecasters refine the storm’s track and intensity outlook. Forecast Track and Strength The NHC projects E...