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.

While a Gulf disturbance that moved into Texas on Friday seems to have run its course, Hurricane Erin in the western Atlantic intensifies.

Hurricane Erin has become a rare and “catastrophic” Category 5 hurricane with sustained winds near 160 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center.

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.