NOAA and Air Force Hurricane Hunter aircraft found that Erin is in the middle of an eyewall replacement cycle (ERC). While it is in the stage of an eyewall replacement cycle, Erin has lost a bit of its punch and has been downgraded to a category 3.

Hurricane Erin rapidly intensified to a Category 5 storm Saturday, Aug. 16, but winds decreased to 125 mph by Sunday morning, Aug. 17. Erin is still a major Category 3 hurricane and growing in size, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Hurricane Erin exploded in strength to a Category 5 storm in the Caribbean on Saturday, rapidly powering up from a tropical storm in a single day, the National Hurricane Center said.

A Heat Advisory is in place once again across Central Florida. This will be in place from 11am-7pm. Afternoon highs will reach the low and middle 90s, with feels-like temperatures around 105-109°+.  Be sure to take it easy if you have any outdoor plans and stay hydrated!

In a statement, Cory Schwisow, interim director of Monroe County Emergency Management, said the county was recently qualified to receive “60% of post-disaster reimbursement funds upfront,” which he said “significantly reduces the financial strain on our county and enhances our ability to respond swiftly to emerging needs.”

Erin strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane on Friday morning east of the Caribbean Islands and is expected to keep strengthening through the weekend.