Erin is the fifth named storm to develop during the Atlantic hurricane season, which started just over two months ago. Last week, Tropical Storm Dexter formed in the western Atlantic but didn't pose a threat to land. In early July, Tropical Storm Chantal made landfall on the Carolina coast, bringing deadly flooding to the region.

Erin has strengthened into a Category 4 hurricane as of Saturday. It's the first hurricane of the 2025 Atlantic season, which officially formed mid-Friday morning. Some Tropical Storm watches remain in effect for parts of the northern Leeward Islands, according to forecasters at the National Hurricane Center.

So far, the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season has produced four tropical storms and no hurricanes. As of Friday, August 8, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) was monitoring two areas of interest for storm development—one off the southeastern U.

Hurricane Erin has not fully moved past North Carolina. However, storm is no longer tracking north-northwest more eastward.

The first area has been under the eyes of the National Hurricane Center for a few days as it emerged off Africa’s west coast.

Forecasters are tracking three systems in the Atlantic basin, including one with a medium chance of becoming a tropical depression later this week.

Hurricane Erin is whipping up the Atlantic Ocean at speeds over 100 miles per hour. The trajectory of the storm has it staying out to sea, though many effects will be felt close to shore and on land.