Erin, Florida and national hurricane center
Digest more
Powerful Hurricane Erin has undergone a period of astonishingly rapid intensification — a phenomenon that has become far more common in recent years as the planet warms. It was a rare Category 5 for a time Saturday before becoming a Category 4, churning through the Atlantic Ocean north of the Caribbean.
The atmospheric conditions came together in a stunning way yesterday to support Hurricane Erin, suddenly blowing up into a Category 5. It was one of the fastest intensifications ever observed, and the second-lowest pressure ever recorded in an August hurricane after Hurricane Allen in 1980.
Here's a quick, easy-to-read look on the latest about Tropical Storm Erin, including what Florida residents should be doing.
Hurricane Erin has weakened slightly overnight but remains a very strong storm with winds well over 120 mph, making it still a major hurricane. The track remains mostly unchanged. It will start making that northern turn in the next 24 hours.