Hurricane Erin, who has lost power but has widened, continues Tuesday to follow the Bahamas, approaching the American east coast where he could cause dangerous floods, according to the American Hurricane Center (NHC).
Now demoted in category 2 on the Saffir-Simpson scale which has five, Erin has been evolving for several days in the Caribbean region, where he has caused material damage, especially in Puerto Rico.
First hurricane of the season in the North Atlantic, Erin had very quickly strengthened in the weekend, reaching a little more than 24 hours the maximum level of intensity. He has since lost in power but has extended and could further strengthen in the coming days, warned the NHC.
Erin must spend on Tuesday east of the Bahamas and then go up in the Atlantic to pass between the east coast of the United States and the Bermuda in the middle of the week.
Season more intense than normal in sight
If it is not expected that he touches earth, his passage could lead to deadly currents as well as destructive waves and floods on the American coasts, especially on a rosary of islands bordering the North Carolina, warn the authorities, who call on the population not to take it lightly. Faced with these risks, certain areas are subject to evacuation orders.
Despite calm beginnings, the hurricane season, which stretches from early June to the end of November, should this year be more intense than normal, according to forecasts by the American weather authorities. By warming the seas, climate change makes it more likely the rapid intensification of such storms and increases the risk of more powerful phenomena, according to scientists. In 2024, the region had been marked by several deadly storms, including Hurgagan Hélène who left more than 200 dead in the south-east of the United States.