Erin rapidly intensifies into monstrous Category 4 hurricane.

[Zorro]

Hurricane Erin catapulted in strength overnight from a low-end Category 1 to a monstrous Category 4.

The powerhouse storm, which was located several hundred miles east-northeast of Puerto Rico on Saturday morning, was continuing to strengthen, and could approach Category 5 status by Saturday afternoon.

The storm has already intensified at triple the rate needed to classify as rapid intensification, which is when a storm’s wind speeds increase by at least 35 mph in 24 hours.

As of Saturday morning, the National Hurricane Center warned the storm’s outer bands were beginning to affect the Northern Leeward Islands. A tropical storm watch remains in effect for St. Martin, St. Barthélemy and Sint Maarten, but the storm should largely spare the Lesser Antilles. Puerto Rico could see a few rain showers, blustery winds or squally weather Saturday afternoon and evening, but the storm will pass well to the north of the U.S. territory.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2025/08/16/hurricane-erin-rapid-intensification-forecast-track/

Hurricane rapid intensification. Welcome to the new normal. And climate change is a hoax...

[JanMichael]

1. I wonder if the new rapid intensification will start making predictions worse

You know, like thwy change directions more often.

[Deuxcents]

2. A wobble here and a wobble there when it intensifies makes it hard to predict.

This storm was strong from the start..the lower the millibars, the stronger the storm.

[Scrivener7]

3. Hope it doesn't wobble left.

[Deuxcents]

4. Me, too. I just read it's a Cat 5 at 160 mph. Hope it spins itself out in cooler waters