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.

Hurricane Erin could 'at least double or triple in size' next week and the track has shifted south, but remains likely to turn away from the East Coast.

Hurricane Erin officially formed early Friday, Aug. 15, marking the first hurricane of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season. The system is also expected to become the first major hurricane of this season, likely to reach Category 4 status, according to the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center.