TNW News — Hurricane Erin Update

12:59 PM EDT, Sunday, August 17, 2025
By T.W. Bolton

Hurricane Erin Weakens to Category 3 While Expanding Its Reach

San Juan, Puerto Rico — At 12:59 PM EDT today, Hurricane Erin has weakened from a Category 5 to a Category 3hurricane, with sustained winds now estimated around 125 mph. Though still dangerous, the storm’s expansion in size has increased its overall threat footprint. AP News

Erin’s powerful outer bands are currently unleashing heavy rain and tropical-storm-force winds across Puerto Ricoand the U.S. Virgin Islands, resulting in widespread power outages—with approximately 147,000 customers affected—and flight cancellations in the hundreds. AP News

Despite the decrease in intensity, the storm’s reach has broadened significantly:

• Turks and Caicos Islands are now under tropical storm warnings.
• A tropical storm watch has been issued for the southeast Bahamas.
• The U.S. East Coast remains on alert for dangerous surf and rip currents, especially along the North Carolina Outer Banks, with storm swells expected to impact the shoreline. AP NewsThe News & Observer

Erin’s Current Status:

• Category: 3 (Max winds: ~125 mph)
• Location: Approximately 235 miles north-northwest of San Juan, Puerto Rico; moving west-northwest at 13 mph. AP News
• Outlook: While Erin may continue to fluctuate in intensity as it undergoes internal structural changes, forecasters warn it remains a major storm and could influence conditions across a wide area in the coming days. AP NewsThe News & Observer

What to Watch For:

• Marine hazards: High surf and dangerous rip currents are expected to reach the U.S. East Coast from Florida to New England.
• Potential re-intensification: Erin may regain strength as part of a natural cycle, warranting continued monitoring by those in the storm’s projected path. The News & ObserverAP News

Stay tuned to TNW News for the latest storm coverage and safety guidance as Hurricane Erin continues to evolve.

Let me know if you'd like a live-update version or a script-ready segment for your broadcast teleprompter!