Hurricane Erin Continues to Impact the U.S. East Coast
Hurricane Erin, now a Category 2 hurricane, is located about 480 nautical miles west-southwest of Bermuda and is moving north-northwest.1 While the storm is not expected to make landfall on the U.S. East Coast, it is a large system that is creating significant hazards.2 Life-threatening surf and rip currents are expected along the East Coast from Florida to New York, and coastal flooding has already begun in parts of the Outer Banks in North Carolina.3 The National Hurricane Center (NHC) is cautioning beachgoers to stay out of the water.4
- Source: National Hurricane Center (NHC) – Atlantic Tropical Weather Discussion: https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/text/MIATWDAT.shtml
- Source: National Hurricane Center (NHC) – Hurricane Erin Public Advisory: https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
- Source: The Weather Channel/Weather Underground: https://www.wunderground.com/
Developing Tropical Systems in the Atlantic
The NHC is also monitoring two other areas of interest in the Atlantic basin.5 A tropical wave over the central tropical Atlantic is producing a broad area of disorganized showers and thunderstorms, with environmental conditions appearing conducive for gradual development.6 A tropical depression could form later this week or over the weekend.7 Another tropical wave is located just off the coast of Africa, but its development is expected to be limited.
- Source: National Hurricane Center (NHC) – Atlantic Tropical Weather Outlook: https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/text/MIATWOAT.shtml
Dangerous Heat and Storms Across the U.S.
A dangerous heat wave is intensifying and expanding across the Southwest, with temperatures climbing into the 100s and 110s.8 Heat-related warnings and advisories are in effect for much of southern California and the Desert Southwest.9 Meanwhile, widely scattered thunderstorms with heavy downpours are forecast for the eastern and south-central U.S., with isolated flash flooding possible from the Northeast to the southern Plains.10 The National Weather Service (NWS) is also tracking monsoonal moisture that could trigger scattered thunderstorms and isolated flash flooding in the Southwest.11
- Source: National Weather Service (NWS) Weather Prediction Center (WPC): https://www.noaa.gov/weather-prediction-center
Wildfire Updates
According to the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), there are currently 47 large fires burning across nine geographic areas nationwide as of yesterday, August 19.12 A total of 15,453 firefighters and support personnel are assigned to these incidents.13 In California, several large fires, including the Gifford Fire, Orleans Complex, and Rosa Fire, are reaching high levels of containment.14 In Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, recent cooler temperatures and rain have greatly assisted fire suppression efforts.
- Source: National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC): https://www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn
- Source: CAL FIRE: https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents
- Source: Government of Newfoundland and Labrador: https://www.gov.nl.ca/releases/2025/ffa/0820n02/
Disclaimer: This information was researched and curated with the assistance of AI, but reviewed and verified by a human.