US East Coast faces life-threatening waves from Hurricane Erin

August 18, 2025

Hurricane Erin has intensified to a Category 4 hurricane after briefly reaching Category 5 status, threatening the eastern coast of the United States with life-threatening surf and rip currents. The storm is already impacting the southeastern Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands with rainfall, though it's not expected to make direct landfall on these islands. In Puerto Rico, over 150,000 people temporarily lost power due to hurricane-related wind damage, though emergency repairs have restored electricity to 95% of customers.

Who is affected

Residents of the southeastern Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands
More than 150,000 people in Puerto Rico who experienced power outages
Residents of the Outer Banks in North Carolina, particularly those on Hatteras Island
People along the entire U.S. East Coast facing potential rip tide dangers

What action is being taken

Emergency repairs are being conducted by Luma energy company in Puerto Rico
The Bahamas Disaster Risk Management Authority is encouraging residents to prepare and identify shelter locations
Authorities in North Carolina have ordered a mandatory evacuation of Hatteras Island
The U.S. National Hurricane Center is monitoring and providing forecasts about the hurricane's path

Why it matters

The hurricane poses a threat of life-threatening surf and dangerous rip currents along the entire U.S. East Coast
The storm is bringing significant rainfall (up to six inches) to affected island regions
Critical infrastructure is being impacted, as evidenced by the widespread power outages in Puerto Rico
The main highway connecting Hatteras Island to other Outer Banks islands could become impassable, potentially isolating residents who don't evacuate

What's next

The core of Hurricane Erin is forecast to pass east of the southeastern Bahamas today
The hurricane is expected to move between Bermuda and the eastern coast of the U.S. by mid-week
The storm is predicted to remain "a large and dangerous hurricane" throughout this period

Read full article from source: BBC