On Friday, the U.S. Coast Guard declared “Yankee status” for six ports in Puerto Rico and two in the U.S. Virgin Islands as Hurricane Erin, the first storm to reach Category 5 status in the 2025 Atlantic season, advances.
The Yankee condition applies when there is a hurricane threat within the next 24 hours and, under that classification, access to incoming commercial vessels is closed unless specifically authorized by the harbor master.
In addition, ocean-going vessels over 500 tons without a permit must leave port.
Authorities recommend that recreational boaters seek safe shelter and watch for weather updates, especially small craft advisories.
Hurricane Erin intensifies and threatens the Caribbean
In Puerto Rico, the secretary of the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER), Waldemar Quiles, announced the closure of four beaches as of Saturday until conditions permit. Meanwhile, Health Secretary Víctor Ramos activated the Executive Emergency Committee along with a response team, and the Housing Department reviewed its emergency plan. .
Hurricane Erin quickly reached Category 5 with sustained winds of up to 160 mph (255 kph), becoming the first major hurricane of the season. Although its center is not expected to make landfall, its path will pass close to the north of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and other Caribbean islands, causing heavy rains, landslide hazards and coastal storm surge.
In the face of the rapid intensification of Hurricane Erin to Category 5, the U.S. declared Yankee status in eight Caribbean ports, halting commercial entry and ordering maritime evacuations. Local and federal authorities activated emergency plans and closed beaches in Puerto Rico. This effective coordination highlights the importance of early response to extreme weather events, especially for Hispanic residents with direct connections to the region.
