World

Tropical storm Erika on track to hit Florida as a hurricane

Published

August 26, 2015

The National Hurricane Center is reporting that tropical storm Erika, with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph, is now 245 miles east of Antigua, moving west at 17 mph. Tropical storm warnings have been extended as far west as Puerto Rico, including the Virgin Islands and including most of the northern Leeward Islands.

Erika’s center is expected to cross over parts of the Leeward Islands Wednesday night, coming near the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico on Thursday. Erika is predicted to produce from 2 to 4 inches of rain, with a maximum of 8 inches across portions of the leeward Islands, Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.

National Hurricane Center

By Friday, Erika, the fifth-named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, should reach the Dominican Republic, and as the storm continues on its predicted track, reach Florida as a hurricane by early Monday. Florida’s State Emergency Operations Center was partially activated today as officials start monitoring the storm, reports the NY Post.

“We are preparing the protective and responsive measures we will need if the storm continues to develop out of an abundance of caution,” said Director Bryan W. Koon.

Florida’s Division of Emergency management issued an email notice to Florida residents and visitors, advising people to stay alert to local conditions, watching the news for further instructions. People have also been advised to check on their emergency disaster supply kits, making sure they are fully stocked, and to have an evacuation plan on hand.

Forecasters warn that Erika may hit the same wind-shear and dry air that caused the breaking up of Hurricane Danny last week. But they also point to Erika’s track over land, along with coming up against an upper-level steering flow near the eastern U.S. next week as something that could change Erika’s track.

The NHC says that if Erika survives the next few days, then the steering pattern and environment will become more conducive to her strengthening and it then becomes a worrisome problem for the Bahamas and Florida. Folks need to remember we are still 4 to 5 days away in the forecast, and a lot could change in that time.

In this article:category one hurricane, leeward islands, Puerto rico, southern florida, tropical storm erika

Written By Karen Graham

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our dear friend Karen Graham, who served as Editor-at-Large at Digital Journal. She was 78 years old. Karen's view of what is happening in our world was colored by her love of history and how the past influences events taking place today. Her belief in humankind's part in the care of the planet and our environment has led her to focus on the need for action in dealing with climate change. It was said by Geoffrey C. Ward, "Journalism is merely history's first draft." Everyone who writes about what is happening today is indeed, writing a small part of our history.