There was cautious relief Wednesday as the latest updates from the National Hurricane Center showed a clearer picture of the path Tropical Storm Erin is expected to take over the next few days. By Friday, the storm is expected to intensify into the Atlantic season's first hurricane of the year and to pass north of the Caribbean Islands this weekend. But the models forecasters use to predict where a storm goes are starting to suggest it is likely to curve away from the East Coast of the United States early next week.
Forecasters remain cautious that the storm's trajectory could still change.
No warning or watches have been issued, but swells, which can produce dangerous rip currents, are expected to affect the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico by the weekend.
Forecasters at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said they expect it to be an above-average Atlantic hurricane season, with up to 18 total named storms by the time the it ends in November. A typical season has 14 named storms.
The Trump administration has slashed the number of employees at many of the agencies traditionally responsible for planning for and responding to natural disasters, including NOAA, the National Weather Service and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. So far, it is unclear how those cuts might affect the accuracy of forecasts. The weather service may begin hiring again soon.
Q1. What is a hurricane?
A1. A hurricane is a type of tropical cyclone—a powerful storm system that forms over warm ocean waters, typically in the Atlantic or eastern Pacific.
Q2. What minimum windspeed of Hurricane?
A2. Hurricanes develop when warm, moist air rises from the ocean surface, creating low pressure beneath. As this air continues to rise and cool, it forms clouds and thunderstorms. If conditions are right (including low wind shear and warm sea surface temperatures), the system can grow into a hurricane with sustained winds of at least 74 mph (119 km/h).
Forecasters remain cautious that the storm's trajectory could still change.
No warning or watches have been issued, but swells, which can produce dangerous rip currents, are expected to affect the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico by the weekend.
Forecasters at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said they expect it to be an above-average Atlantic hurricane season, with up to 18 total named storms by the time the it ends in November. A typical season has 14 named storms.
The Trump administration has slashed the number of employees at many of the agencies traditionally responsible for planning for and responding to natural disasters, including NOAA, the National Weather Service and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. So far, it is unclear how those cuts might affect the accuracy of forecasts. The weather service may begin hiring again soon.
FAQs
Q1. What is a hurricane?
A1. A hurricane is a type of tropical cyclone—a powerful storm system that forms over warm ocean waters, typically in the Atlantic or eastern Pacific.
Q2. What minimum windspeed of Hurricane?
A2. Hurricanes develop when warm, moist air rises from the ocean surface, creating low pressure beneath. As this air continues to rise and cool, it forms clouds and thunderstorms. If conditions are right (including low wind shear and warm sea surface temperatures), the system can grow into a hurricane with sustained winds of at least 74 mph (119 km/h).
