Barbuda No Longer Under Tropical Storm Watch
Hurricane Erin has strengthened as it approaches its closest point to the north of the Leeward Islands, with maximum sustained winds now near 85 mph (140 km/h).
At 20:00 AST (00:00 UTC), the US National Hurricane Center reported the storm was about 310 miles (500 km) east-northeast of the northern Leewards, moving west-northwest at 17 mph (28 km/h).
The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service has discontinued the Tropical Storm Watch for Barbuda. However, tropical storm watches remain in effect for Anguilla, St Martin, St Barthelemy, Saba, St Eustatius and Sint Maarten, where tropical storm conditions are possible by early Saturday.
Forecasters warn Erin is expected to undergo rapid strengthening in the coming days, likely reaching major hurricane status over the weekend. Hurricane-force winds extend up to 25 miles (35 km) from the centre, with tropical-storm-force winds reaching 115 miles (185 km).
Heavy rainfall of 2–4 inches, with isolated totals up to 6 inches, could affect the northern Leewards, Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, posing risks of flash flooding, landslides and mudslides. Hazardous surf and life-threatening rip currents are expected to spread through the region from Saturday and into next week.
Both NOAA and US Air Force Hurricane Hunter aircraft are investigating the storm this evening.