Hurricane Erin, once a Category 5, has weakened to Category 3 but remains a major threat with winds of 125 mph. The National Hurricane Center warns it “will grow in size and remain a major hurricane through midweek.”

Erin’s reach is wide, with hurricane-force winds extending 50 miles and tropical-storm-force winds over 200 miles. Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, and the Turks and Caicos are already seeing “heavy rainfall, flash flooding, and mudslides.” Dangerous surf and rip currents are spreading across the Caribbean and will soon hit the East Coast, Bermuda, and Atlantic Canada.

While not expected to make U.S. landfall, the storm could cause serious coastal impacts. AccuWeather’s Alex DaSilva said, “If Erin shifts farther west…the U.S. Atlantic coast may see worsening conditions.” Areas at higher risk include the Outer Banks, Long Island, and Cape Cod.

North Carolina’s Dare and Hyde Counties declared emergencies, with mandatory evacuations for Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands. Waves up to 20 feet could bring “overwash and flooding,” officials warn.

Authorities stress preparedness. Residents are urged to follow evacuation orders and have a go-bag ready with “essential supplies and documents” in case conditions suddenly worsen.

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