Tropical Storm Erin Continues to Move Quickly Westward Over the Central Tropical Atlantic

Current Outlook - Tropical Storm Erin
• As of 11:00 AM EDT, Erin is located about 1,765 miles east of the northern Leeward Islands, and is moving westward around 23 mph.
• This quick westward motion is expected to continue through early Thursday, with a west-northwestward motion forecast late Thursday into the weekend.
• Maximum sustained winds are near 45 mph, and little change in strength is expected through tonight.
• Gradual strengthening is expected to begin on Wednesday as the system moves into a more favorable environment. Erin could become a hurricane by late Thursday.
• Erin poses no threat to Florida over the next 7 to 10 days, at least. 
 
 
 

 
 
Key Takeaways
 
While Erin isn’t an immediate threat to Florida, here are proactive steps to take now.
 
1. Understand Your Risk

• Know Your Zone: Determine if you live in an evacuation zone, flood-prone area, or mobile home—Zone A is the most vulnerable. Hernando County Evacuation Zones
• Evacuation Plan: Identify where to go (friends, family, or shelters) and how to get there. Decide on communication methods—paper lists, emergency contacts, and utility info—in case electronics fail.

• Include essentials like drinking water, non-perishable food, battery-operated or hand-crank radio, flashlights, extra batteries, first-aid kit, medications, important documents (in waterproof bags), and pet supplies (food, records, meds). Great news! Effective August 1, 2025, the Florida Department of Revenue has enacted permanent sales and use tax exemptions on sales of disaster supplies! Florida Permanent Sales Tax Exemptions

• Trim trees and secure loose items around your property.
• Install shutters or impact-resistant glass; seal gaps in walls, windows, and doors.
• If time allows, consider roof straps or clips to improve durability.

• Keep track of reliable updates via:
  • NHC advisories and forecasts National Hurricane Center
  • Local emergency management and media sources.
  • Broadcasts for updates on watches/warnings and track changes.