SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — Hurricane Erin has intensified into a formidable Category 4 storm as it moves across the Caribbean, raising concerns about its potential impact on nearby islands. As of Saturday, the National Hurricane Center reported that Erin is situated approximately 150 miles northeast of Anguilla and boasts maximum sustained winds reaching 145 mph.

While the current forecast suggests that Erin will not make landfall, its strong winds are already affecting several islands in the vicinity. Forecasters have issued warnings for possible flooding, landslides, and mudslides, particularly in areas close to the storm’s path. The hurricane is expected to take a turn, moving northeast and steering clear of the continental United States, although it remains a close call for Bermuda.

Tropical storm watches have been activated for St. Martin, St. Barts, and St. Maarten as the outer bands of Erin are anticipated to bring heavy rainfall that could extend through Sunday across northern Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. The compact nature of the storm is expected to change, with predictions of an increase in size, resulting in rougher ocean conditions across the western Atlantic.

Hurricane specialist Michael Lowry stated that meteorological models indicate Erin will curve away from the U.S., but cautioned that Bermuda may be at greater risk, potentially experiencing stronger winds from the storm’s eastern side.

Erin is noteworthy as the fifth named storm of this Atlantic hurricane season, which spans from June 1 to November 30, but it is the first to escalate to hurricane status. Alex DaSilva, a lead hurricane expert, confirmed that the storm is likely to gain further strength due to unusually warm ocean temperatures, which are several degrees above the historical average.

Forecasts suggest that this hurricane season could be particularly active, with expectations of six to ten storms, among which three to five may reach major hurricane status, with wind speeds exceeding 110 mph. In preparation for possible impacts, over 200 personnel from the Federal Emergency Management Agency are on the ground in Puerto Rico, ready to assist as officials issued flood watches for the entire U.S. territory from late Friday through Monday.

Housing Secretary Ciary Pérez Peña announced that 367 shelters across Puerto Rico have been inspected and are prepared to open if necessary. Additionally, the U.S. Coast Guard has closed six seaports in Puerto Rico and two in the U.S. Virgin Islands to incoming vessels, allowing access only to those with prior authorization.

In the Bahamas, public shelters have been prepared in anticipation of the storm. Aarone Sargent, managing director for the Bahamas’ disaster risk management authority, emphasized the unpredictable nature of hurricanes, warning that their movements can change rapidly and unexpectedly. As communities brace for Erin’s potential impact, officials continue to stress the importance of vigilance and preparedness.