Barbuda Dropped from Tropical Storm Watch as Hurricane Erin Strengthens

The Meteorological Service of Antigua and Barbuda has discontinued the Tropical Storm Watch for Barbuda as Hurricane Erin continues its west-northwest track, staying well to the north of the island.

In its 8 p.m. advisory, the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported Erin’s center at latitude 19.4°N, longitude 58.5°W, about 310 miles (500 km) east-northeast of the northern Leeward Islands. 

The storm is moving at 17 mph (28 km/h) with maximum sustained winds now reaching 85 mph (140 km/h). Hurricane-force winds extend up to 25 miles from the center, while tropical-storm-force winds reach as far as 115 miles.

Forecasters say Erin is intensifying and could become a major hurricane over the weekend. The storm is expected to pass just north of the northern Leewards, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico, bringing potential tropical storm conditions to islands still under watch, including Anguilla, St. Martin, St. Barthelemy, Saba, St. Eustatius, and Sint Maarten.

Rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches are expected in some areas, with isolated amounts up to 6 inches, which could cause flash flooding, urban flooding, and landslides. Large swells generated by Erin are also expected to reach the northern Leewards, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico over the weekend, creating life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.

Local officials are advising residents to remain vigilant, monitor official updates, and avoid coastal waters during the passage of the storm system.

The next full advisory from the NHC is scheduled for 11 p.m. AST.