Hurricane Erin has unleashed its fury on the Caribbean, with Puerto Rico bearing the brunt of the storm’s catastrophic impact. As of this morning, the storm has escalated to a Category 5 hurricane, with winds reaching a staggering 125 miles per hour. The island is drenched in relentless rain, prompting severe flash flood warnings and fears of landslides in mountainous regions.

Live footage from EarthCam shows an eerily deserted Puerto Rico, as residents heed evacuation orders and stay away from the beach. Meteorologists are closely monitoring the situation, with predictions of up to 8 inches of rain in some areas. The rapid intensification of Erin has shocked experts, who reported a staggering increase of nearly 95 miles per hour in just 24 hours.

The storm is currently tracking northward, sparing a direct landfall but still threatening the eastern coast of the United States with dangerous rip currents and high surf. The National Hurricane Center is expected to issue further updates shortly, as Erin continues to churn in the warm waters of the Atlantic, potentially gaining strength.

Travelers to the region are advised to stay indoors, as flights in and out of the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico face cancellations and delays. The Dominican Republic is also experiencing heavy rainfall, although less intense than in Puerto Rico.

As the peak of hurricane season approaches, experts warn that this is just the beginning. A new disturbance is brewing in the Atlantic, raising concerns that more storms could be on the horizon. Residents along the southeastern U.S. coast are urged to prepare their emergency kits and stay alert as this volatile hurricane season unfolds. Stay tuned for live updates as we continue to track Hurricane Erin’s path and its aftermath.