Hurricane Erin has been downgraded to a Category 3 hurricane as of early Sunday. The storm continues to impact the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico with heavy rains and strong winds. A tropical storm warning has been issued for the Turks and Caicos Islands, while a watch is in effect for the southeast Bahamas.

Erin, which is the first Atlantic hurricane of 2025, reached Category 5 status on Saturday with maximum winds of 160 mph before weakening. As of late Sunday morning, the storm's maximum sustained winds were recorded at 125 mph. The National Hurricane Center in Miami reported that Erin's center was located about 200 miles north-northwest of San Juan, Puerto Rico, and approximately 240 miles east of Grand Turk Island. The storm is moving west-northwest at a speed of 13 mph.

Despite the downgrade, forecasters warn that Erin remains a dangerous hurricane. Richard Pasch from the National Hurricane Center stated, "You’re dealing with a major hurricane. The intensity is fluctuating. It’s a dangerous hurricane in any event."

The outer bands of Erin have caused significant disruptions, leaving around 147,000 customers in Puerto Rico without power. The storm's impact has also led to the cancellation of more than 20 flights. Heavy rainfall is expected to continue across the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, with totals ranging from 3 to 6 inches, and isolated areas could see up to 8 inches.

Swells from the storm are anticipated to affect parts of the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, and the Turks and Caicos Islands over the next few days. The National Hurricane Center has indicated that tropical storm conditions are expected within the warning area within 24 hours.

The government of the Bahamas has also issued a tropical storm watch for the Southeast Bahamas. Scientists have noted a link between the rapid intensification of hurricanes in the Atlantic and climate change, which is causing warmer ocean temperatures and increased atmospheric moisture.