Researchers working alongside the National Hurricane Center warn that Hurricane Epsilon, the earliest 26th named storm, will create large swells that are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions in Bermuda as well as heavy rain along the east coast region. Even though a tropical storm warning was only in effect in Bermuda, The Hurricane Center warns that Epsilon’s impacts are expected to reach beyond Bermuda and spread further. The Hurricane is said to bring “dangerous and potentially life-threatening surf and rip currents” along the East Coast of the U.S. and Atlantic Canada during the next couple of days.

What makes this hurricane so special is that, as of this Wednesday, Epsilon had sustained winds over 115 mph. This makes it the fourth major hurricane of the season as well as officially qualifying it as a rapidly intensifying storm. Despite the fact that the hurricane originated in Bermuda, The National Hurricane Center  warns, “Areas along North Carolina’s Coast, south of Cape Lookout, face the greatest risk.” Service reporters in Outer Banks warn that the rip currents will be so strong that they may even wipe out the best swimmers and cause them to move far from the shore into deeper water.

Studies show that Hurricane Epsilon is not the first hurricane in Bermuda, Hurricane Paulette is. However, officials say that the effects of Paulette were not half as bad as those of Epsilon. Experts at the National Hurricane Center say that the storm remains a large system and its winds extend outward up to 15 miles from the center while the tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 225 miles. While the winds seem highly dangerous, experts assure that the storm will gradually weaken beginning next week.

Granting that the crazy speed of this hurricane was unexpected by everyone, researchers at the center knew that this storm would be coming based on this year’s hurricane season. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, this year’s hurricane season, with 26 named storms (Epsilon being one), is one of the most active nearing the 2005 record of 27 named storms. Forecasters agree that this season is one of the most active seasonal forecasts and may even be one of the most active seasons in history. Many details and updates about Epsilon are still being closely monitored by The National Hurricane Center and many other researchers. Ultimately, experts say the storm should gradually weaken as time goes by.