Hurricane Erin downgraded to Category 3
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Storms that ramp up so quickly complicate forecasting and make it harder for government agencies to plan for emergencies. Hurricane Erick, a Pacific storm that made landfall June 19 in Oaxaca, Mexico, also strengthened rapidly, doubling in intensity in less than a day.
Despite this, the US National Hurricane Center (NHC) says Erin is growing in size, with tropical-storm-strength winds extending 205 miles from its centre. Storm-related hazards, including flash flooding and landslides, are expected in the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.
Erin was a Category 3 hurricane Sunday, the National Hurricane Center said in its 2 p.m. ET update, with sustained winds of 125 mph, with tropical storm-force winds reaching out 205 miles. The storm is expected to continue to fluctuate in intensity,
Erin reached Category 5 status before weakening but has brought significant rain to the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.