Hurricane Erin, the season’s first hurricane, exploded into a Category 5 over the open Atlantic before curving north between the U.S. coast and Bermuda. While the core stayed offshore, Erin still forced evacuations on parts of North Carolina’s Outer Banks, flooded coastal roads, and sent dangerous surf and rip currents along the entire Eastern Seaboard.

Offshore Does Not Mean Harmless

Erin’s rapid intensification, strengthening at a near-record pace, is the part forecasters want everyone to remember. A storm that follows a slightly different track with that kind of behavior leaves very little time to prepare. Coastal and inland residents alike should treat Erin as a rehearsal for a storm that does not stay out to sea.

Preparing for the Season’s Peak

• Inspect your standby generator and ensure it is ready to activate automatically if power is lost.
• Run a test cycle to confirm your system starts and transfers power properly.
• Plan for fuel supply and make sure natural gas or propane systems are fully connected and serviced.
• Consider an upgrade. Whole-home backup solutions from Generac and Kohler deliver seamless power protection during prolonged outages.

Stay Informed

The National Hurricane Center issues advisories on every active system. The season’s busiest weeks are just ahead. Stay ready.