Atlantic Ocean, August 15, 2025
News Summary
Tropical Storm Erin is gaining strength in the Atlantic and is projected to become a hurricane by the weekend. Currently located 690 miles east of the Leeward Islands, Erin has maximum sustained winds of 70 mph. While it may not directly hit land, warnings about its impact on the southeastern U.S. coast and the real estate market are raised. Real estate professionals cite past weather events causing temporary declines in property values due to storms, urging stakeholders to stay prepared.
Tropical Storm Erin Strengthens and Projected to Become Hurricane by Weekend
In the Atlantic Ocean, Tropical Storm Erin is currently gaining strength and forecasted to become a hurricane by Wednesday afternoon, with further escalation expected by Saturday afternoon. Currently, the storm boasts maximum sustained winds of 70 mph and is moving west at a speed of 17 mph. As of now, Erin is located approximately 690 miles east of the Leeward Islands.
The National Weather Service indicates that tropical storm force winds are anticipated to reach the Leeward Islands by Friday night, followed by impacts in Puerto Rico and Hispaniola on Saturday. Forecasts project that Erin could rapidly intensify into a major hurricane, potentially reaching Category 3 status with peak winds of 125 mph.
While the storm is expected to largely avoid a direct hit to the Leeward Islands, Puerto Rico, and Hispaniola, conditions along the southeastern U.S. coast may still be affected. Breezy conditions, along with rough surf and high rip currents due to Erin’s winds, are anticipated.
Forecast models predominantly suggest that Erin will not make direct landfall in the United States; rather, it is likely to pass to the west of Bermuda. Nevertheless, local authorities and property owners are urged to monitor the storm closely as conditions may change.
Impact on Real Estate Market
The potential impacts of Tropical Storm Erin on the local real estate market are also a point of concern. As highlighted by industry professionals, the construction sector often prepares in advance for storm forecasts, which can lead to lost productivity during the storm events. Specifically, recent data from Myrtle Beach shows that average property prices have declined by nearly 1% from June to July.
Currently, the Myrtle Beach market features 871 new homes available for sale at an average price of $556,307, with properties typically listed online for around 112 days.
Weather events, such as storms and hurricanes, can temporarily impact housing markets according to insights from the National Association of Realtors. However, they often stimulate a rebound in rebuilding efforts post-event. It’s also worth noting that real estate transactions may incorporate an “Act of God” clause that allows buyers to delay or terminate contracts due to damage caused by natural disasters.
Beyond Tropical Storm Erin, forecasters are monitoring another area in the Caribbean with a 40% chance of development, though it is unlikely to evolve into anything stronger than a tropical depression due to impending landfall.
Conclusion
Tropical Storm Erin represents the fifth named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, having formed on August 11. As it continues on its path, residents and industry stakeholders are encouraged to remain vigilant and prepared for any changes as the storm progresses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the current status of Tropical Storm Erin?
Tropical Storm Erin is strengthening in the Atlantic Ocean and is expected to become a hurricane by Wednesday afternoon.
How will Tropical Storm Erin affect the real estate market?
Weather events like storms can temporarily impact housing markets as seen in Myrtle Beach where average property prices declined recently. However, they often lead to a rebound in rebuilding efforts.
What might happen to property sales during the storm?
Real estate transactions may include an “Act of God” clause, allowing buyers to delay or terminate contracts if damage from the storm occurs.
Key Features of Tropical Storm Erin
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Strength | Tropical Storm with 70 mph winds |
| Forecast Development | Expected to become a hurricane by Wednesday, Category 3 by Saturday |
| Location | 690 miles east of the Leeward Islands |
| Potential Impacts | Wind, rough surf, and rip currents along the U.S. coast |
| Real Estate Market | Average property prices in Myrtle Beach declined by nearly 1% |
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Additional Resources
- WBTW: Tropical Storm Erin Strengthens
- Wikipedia: Tropical Storm Erin
- WMBF: First Alert Tropical Storm Erin Forms
- Google Search: Tropical Storm Erin
- Myrtle Beach Online: Tropical Storm Erin News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tropical Storm Erin
- WXII12: Tropical Erin Hurricane Update
- Google News: Tropical Storm Erin
- Island Packet: Tropical Storm Erin Coverage
- WMBF Video: Tropical Storm Erin Update
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
