Tropical Storm Erin’s Path & Potential Impacts: What Rowan County Should Know

As of early Friday morning, Tropical Storm Erin remains over the open Atlantic, several hundred miles east of the northern Leeward Islands. The system is moving west-northwest at around 17 mph and is still working to organize its inner core. Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunters found maximum winds near 60 mph, and conditions are expected to become more favorable for strengthening.

Forecasters at the National Hurricane Center expect Erin to become a hurricane later today and potentially reach major hurricane strength by late this weekend over the southwestern Atlantic. The storm’s path will gradually turn toward the northwest and then north early next week as a weakness develops in the subtropical ridge to its north.

While there is still uncertainty in the long-range track, impacts for the Bahamas, the U.S. East Coast, and Bermuda remain possible. Even if the center of Erin stays offshore, the risk of dangerous surf and rip currents along much of the western Atlantic coastline will increase next week.

Locally, Rowan County is not expected to see direct impacts from Erin in the near term. However, residents with coastal travel plans next week should monitor updates closely and be aware of potential hazardous beach conditions.

The National Hurricane Center will continue to issue updates every six hours, and the forecast will become clearer as Erin’s track and intensity trends are better defined.