— Tropical Cyclone Alert Issued
Hurricane Erin was about 400 miles east of the British Virgin Islands on Friday evening, according to the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services, which issued a tropical cyclone alert for Antigua and Barbuda, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, and the British Virgin Islands.
The 8 p.m. Eastern Caribbean Time advisory on Aug. 15 reported Erin’s center near latitude 19.4 north and longitude 58.5 west, moving west-northwest at 17 miles per hour. Maximum sustained winds were 85 m.p.h., with higher gusts, and forecasters said the system is expected to strengthen rapidly into a major hurricane over the weekend.
The forecast track projects Erin will pass northeast and then north of the islands, lowering the chance of storm-force winds. Officials cautioned, however, that any shift could bring the core closer late Friday into Sunday.
Swells generated by Erin are expected to deteriorate marine conditions, and mariners were advised to remain in port and secure vessels. Rainfall amounts of two to four inches are possible, raising the risk of flooding in low-lying and flood-prone areas. Outer rainbands could also produce heavy rainfall, strong gusty winds, and hazardous surf.
A tropical cyclone alert means a storm is within the monitored area but not close enough for a watch or warning to be issued. Residents across the affected islands were urged to monitor updates and prepare for possible impacts.
