Hurricane Erin could generate 100-foot waves as Category 3 storm approaches East Coast

Hurricane Erin is currently a Category 3 storm after weakening from Category 5 intensity reached on Saturday, August 16. The storm initially achieved Category 5 status with 160 mph winds, making it one of the fastest rapidly intensifying storms in Atlantic history. Erin is the fifth named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season but the first to reach hurricane status.

The hurricane set a record for the lowest minimum central pressure reading measured in an Atlantic hurricane on or before August 16 since 1979. The storm is currently impacting Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands with heavy rainfall up to 8 inches expected in some areas.

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Wave height predictions exceed 50 feet

Jean-Raymond Bidlot, senior scientist in ocean modeling at the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), told Newsweek that massive waves are possible due to the storm's severity.

"The latest forecast does indeed indicate that the largest significant wave height could reach values in excess of 50 feet with an associated most likely largest wave of more than 100 feet," Bidlot told Newsweek.


The largest waves are unlikely to reach US beaches directly but could approach the East Coast as the hurricane moves northward.

Expert analysis on wave size potential

"Hurricanes are known for their very powerful winds, usually confined to an area around the storm center, but as indicated, waves tend to radiate away from the storms, propagating towards coastal areas even though the brunt of the storm might still be miles away from the coast," Bidlot added. "These storm-driven waves might not be the largest but will still be significant and have the potential to create very hazardous conditions when reaching the shore leading to intense surf conditions and dangerous rip currents well before the arrival of the storm clouds and rain associated with the hurricane."

AccuWeather's lead hurricane expert Alex DaSilva provided a more conservative estimate regarding the 100-foot wave potential.

"While 100 feet can't be ruled out, I think they would only be possible if the storm become a Category 4 or 5 storm. I think waves near the center of 50-75 feet are much more realistic (assuming a Category 3 storm)," DaSilva said.

National Weather Service issues rip current warnings

The National Weather Service has issued official warnings about life-threatening rip current conditions expected along the East Coast. Dangerous surf and rip currents are anticipated from Florida's Space Coast to coastal New England as Erin grows in size.

Eight- to 12-foot waves are forecast along Carolina coastlines, creating hazardous beach conditions well before the hurricane's closest approach.

"Stay calm and relax. Float to conserve energy. Rip currents don't pull you under. Don't swim against the current. You may be able to escape by swimming out of the current in a direction following the shoreline, or toward breaking waves, then at an angle toward the beach. If you feel you will be unable to reach shore, draw attention to yourself. Call and wave for assistance," the NWS stated.

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Hurricane Erin storm impact timeline

The hurricane's wave effects are expected to reach the Eastern US coastline between Thursday, August 21, and Friday, August 22, with very large waves likely from the Carolinas to the Northeast. The storm's growing size as it tracks northward will drive increasingly dangerous surf conditions throughout the week.

Fluctuations in Erin's intensity are expected over the next 24 to 48 hours, but the hurricane is forecast to remain a major storm through mid-week, maintaining its potential to generate significant wave action along the coast.