Hurricane Erin Hits the Caribbean, Threatens US Coastline

Hurricane Erin's Impact: Hurricane Erin, a Category 4 storm, has caused significant damage in the Caribbean and is expected to bring dangerous surf and flooding to the US East Coast, despite not making landfall.

Storm Characteristics: The hurricane has maximum sustained winds of 140 mph and is unusually large, with hurricane-force winds extending 80 miles and tropical storm winds reaching 230 miles.

Climate Change Connection: Scientists attribute Erin's rapid intensification to human-caused climate change, noting that warmer ocean temperatures have made such storms more likely and intense.

Forecast for Atlantic Hurricane Season: The Atlantic hurricane season is predicted to be above normal, with expectations of increased tropical activity due to warm sea-surface temperatures and an active West African monsoon.