Tropical Storm Erin continues to intensify and is forecast to become the season’s first hurricane by Friday, potentially passing dangerously close to Antigua and Nevis. The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service cautioned that a southerly shift or persistent westward motion could bring the storm’s core uncomfortably near the northeast Caribbean late Friday into Saturday.
As of the last official advisory at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Caribbean Time (2100 UTC) Wednesday, Erin was centred approximately 1,105 miles east of the Leeward Islands, moving west at around 17 mph, with sustained winds near 50 mph and higher gusts. Forecasters say the likelihood of storm-force winds impacting Antigua is relatively low, at about 10 percent, while Anguilla faces a higher risk of up to 35 percent. No tropical watches or warnings are currently in effect, though a tropical storm watch may be issued today if Erin’s path shifts.
International observations corroborate these findings. The National Hurricane Center reports Erin could become a major hurricane this weekend, possibly exceeding Category 3 strength, as it moves into warmer western Atlantic waters. Forecast models show a westward shift to west-northwest expected Thursday night into the weekend, meaning the storm may pass just north of the Leeward Islands.
In response, local authorities are urging the public to stay alert. They emphasise that although Erin is distant, NEMA has been placed on high alert and all residents should prepare accordingly.
Similarly, the Antigua Met Office reiterated that it remains “too early to pinpoint impacts of Erin,” stressing the importance of vigilance in the coming days.
Amid growing concern among residents and rising sea conditions, several events scheduled for this weeknend have been postponed due to the imminet inclement weather.
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