Tropical Storm Erin tracker: Latest path, when it’ll strengthen to hurricane

Tropical Storm Erin is expected to intensify into the first hurricane of the Atlantic season by Saturday morning, with projections indicating it will become a major Category 3 hurricane by Sunday morning as it tracks north of Puerto Rico. However, there is currently no direct threat to the United States from Erin.

Puerto Rico is likely to experience 1 to 2 inches of rain from Erin’s outer bands, along with hazardous surf conditions and a high risk of rip currents over the weekend and into the early part of next week. Following its passage north of Puerto Rico, Erin is forecasted to veer northward.

Most meteorological models suggest that Erin will remain over the ocean between Bermuda and the East Coast, passing near Bermuda around Wednesday. While a U.S. landfall is not anticipated, there is a possibility that Erin could bring light rain showers to some parts of the East Coast. Additionally, beachgoers on the East Coast should be cautious of high rip current risks from August 21 to August 27.

As Erin is still several days away, meteorologists in Bermuda and along the U.S. East Coast will closely monitor the storm, as any deviation in its path could result in significant impacts. The National Hurricane Center has already predicted an above-normal hurricane season for the Atlantic, with August, September, and October typically being the most active months. The Atlantic hurricane season officially concludes on November 30.

Overall, while Erin is expected to strengthen into a powerful hurricane, the current projections suggest that the U.S. mainland is unlikely to face a direct hit. Nevertheless, residents in the region and authorities are advised to stay informed and prepared for any potential changes in the storm’s trajectory.