Erin now a hurricane, could become a Category 4 storm!

SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – Erin continues to strengthen over the central Atlantic and has now become a hurricane.  The storm will continue to strengthen this weekend and begin to turn toward the northwest. It is forecast to become a dangerous Category 4 storm by the end of this weekend.

Erin NHC outlook: The map above shows the current status of Erin, including its location, movement, and strength.  The storm has gotten better organized since Thursday.  This organization, and the fact that Erin will be moving over warmer water, will allow the storm to strengthen more quickly in the coming days.  The latest forecast from the National Hurricane Center is in the loop below.  As of this writing, NHC indicates that Erin could become a major Category 4 storm by Sunday.  There hasn’t been much change in model projections on Erin’s future course.  It still appears that it will track east of the US coast.  There is still time for some changes in the days ahead, so Erin will have to be watched closely. 

The disturbance over the SW Gulf is moving inland somewhere close to Brownsville, TX.  It will bring some heavy rain to extreme southern Texas.  That moisture will likely stay well to the south of the ArkLaTex.

ArkLaTex worries:  Here at home, our main weather worry during the next ten days will be the combination of heat and humidity. Rain is looking unlikely for most of the area until the last half of next week, with no real concern about severe weather.  Daytime highs over the next several days will be close to 100 degrees, with the heat index likely surpassing 105.  We could see some slight heat relief by the last half of next week.

Weather Worry Index for the next 10 days:  2 out of 10: Today’s WWI for the next ten days will remain at 2 out of 10.  If you are exposed to the heat and humidity, be sure to stay hydrated and take the occasional break.  Have a great weekend!