Hurricane Erin is currently not forecast to hit land, but strong winds are affecting nearby islands, prompting forecasters to warn of possible flooding and landslides.
Erin has strengthened into a powerful Category 4 hurricane in the Caribbean, the National Hurricane Center said Saturday.
The storm is currently 150 miles (240 kilometers) northeast of Anguilla with maximum sustained winds of 130 mph (215 kph). It is moving west-northwest at 20 mph (31 kph).
It is currently not forecast to hit land, but strong winds are affecting nearby islands, prompting forecasters to warn of possible flooding and landslides. The NHC said it will eventually swerve away from the continental United States.Preparing for Erin
Tropical storm watches are in place for St. Martin and St. Barthelemy and Sint Maarten. Up to 4 inches (10 centimeters) are expected, with isolated totals of up to 6 inches (15 centimeters), according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami.
«Locally, considerable flash and urban flooding, along with landslides or mudslides, are possible», the NHC said.
Hurricane specialist and storm surge expert Michael Lowry said Erin is forecast to eventually take a sharp turn northeast that would put it on a path between the U.
