Miami.- The tropical storm Erin, which formed on Monday in the Atlantic Ocean, advances quickly to the west and, according to the forecasts, will become a hurricane of the major category towards the weekend.
The Cyclone, currently located 560 miles to the west-northwest of the Islands of Cabo Verde, is strengthened thanks to favorable atmospheric conditions, which generates a preventive alert on the east coast of the United States and the Caribbean, despite the fact that the initial models suggest a trajectory away from Florida.
Trajectory and prognosis
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported in its 5:00 am bulletin that Erin presents sustained maximum winds of 45 mph (75 km/h) and moves to 22 mph (35 km/h).
Meteorologists estimate that the atmospheric phenomenon will intensify in the next few days to become a hurricane, with the possibility of reaching category 3 and winds of up to 115 mph for Saturday.
This intensification is because the storm travels on especially warm oceanic waters and faces a low wind shear, factors that act as fuel for tropical cyclones, according to experts.
Direct impact on Florida?
Despite its strengthening, the consensus of the forecast models suggests that the probability that Erin directly impacts Florida is low.
The projected trajectory indicates that the storm will pass north of the Caribbean islands and then take a curve to the north, traveling between the Bermuda and the east coast of the United States on August 19 and 21.
Paul Close, a meteorologist at the National Meteorological Service, said that, although long -term models show that the storm will move away from Florida, it is necessary to “wait and see”, since the forecasts can change.
Therefore, the authorities emphasize that it is too early to completely rule out any scenario.
Called to preparation
Erin’s appearance occurs while the peak of the hurricane season, which extends from mid -August in mid -October, and with the fresh memory of the devastating 2024 season.
Last year, Florida suffered the direct impact of three hurricanes and the season on the Atlantic was the third most expensive registered, with 18 storms named and damages that exceeded 200 billion dollars.
The NHC emphasized that the current situation represents “an appropriate time to ensure that the preparation plans are instead.”
Residents are recommended to review their emergency kits, which must include water, non -perishable foods for several days, medications, flashlights and a first aid kit.
In addition, it is essential that residents of areas commonly frequented by cyclones know their evacuation zone and have a family communication plan.
