A Hurricane Hunter aircraft was in the midst of Erin as it escalated to a Category 5 hurricane this Saturday over the Caribbean waters, with maximum sustained winds reaching 158 mph. This makes Erin the strongest storm of the season so far. During a reconnaissance mission, the WP-3D Orion aircraft, renowned for its role in hurricane tracking, ventured into the hurricane's eye, capturing the intense conditions as Erin achieved the peak of the Saffir-Simpson scale.
Cuban meteorologist Henry Delgado, affiliated with the Cárdenas Photography Club and a specialist at Varadero International Airport, shared the crew's experience on Facebook: “Incredible and overwhelming! Witnessing Erin's leap to Category 5 within the hurricane's core was a historic moment.”
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami reported that Erin was situated approximately 105 miles north of Anguilla, moving westward at 17 mph this Saturday. Although landfall in the Caribbean is not expected, the Leeward Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands are already experiencing its effects, including torrential rains, storm surges, and landslide risks.
Meteorologists anticipate a northeast turn in Erin's path in the coming days, steering it away from the Caribbean and positioning it between the U.S. East Coast and Bermuda, the latter being at a higher risk of a near impact. Currently, Cuba is not under direct threat as the hurricane remains north of the eastern Caribbean. However, experts caution that a system of this magnitude always poses a potential threat due to sudden changes in trajectory.
The NHC has warned that Erin, presently compact, is expected to expand in size over the next few days, leading to extremely hazardous maritime conditions in the western Atlantic.
Erin is the fifth named storm of the 2025 season and the first to reach hurricane strength, immediately climbing to the highest level on the Saffir-Simpson scale, highlighting the intensity of this year's hurricane season.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hurricane Erin
What makes Hurricane Erin significant this season?
Hurricane Erin is notable for being the first storm of the 2025 season to reach Category 5, marking it as the strongest cyclone thus far and emphasizing the severe nature of this year's hurricane activity.
How is Erin expected to affect regions outside the Caribbean?
Erin is predicted to shift northeast, potentially impacting areas between the U.S. East Coast and Bermuda, with Bermuda facing a higher likelihood of close proximity to the storm.
Why is a Hurricane Hunter aircraft's mission important?
The Hurricane Hunter aircraft provides critical data by flying into the hurricane's eye, allowing meteorologists to accurately measure the storm's intensity and predict its path, which is essential for issuing warnings and preparing affected regions.