What is rapid intensification?
Erin underwent rapid intensification, which occurs when a storm has wind speeds of more than 58 miles per hour in a 24-hour window.
As per CBS News weather producer David Parkinson, its tight core and low wind shear makes it the ‘perfect conditions for rapid intensification’ when traveling over water, that’s warmer than usual.
Hurricane season typically peaks in mid-September, which makes Erin’s intensification and strength unusual for this time of the year.
With so much power and unpredictability, it can also make it harder for the government to plan ahead.
Rapid intensification can see coasts flooding, heavy rain and more.
For Erin, it is expected to produce heavy rain across the northern Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, with local flash and urban flooding, and landslides or mudslides, expected to happen, according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami.
Hurricane Milton was the last known Category 5 storm which also underwent rapid intensification, turning into a Category 3 on impact with Florida, killing a dozen people.
Hurricane Erin is expected to pass the northern Leewards, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, the NHC said, before remaining offshore of the US East Coast.
Source: unilad.com
