Hurricane Erin has strengthened to a Category 4 storm as it threatens to bring life-threatening surf and rip currents to the eastern coast of the United States. The rains caused by the storm are already beginning to hit the south-eastern Bahamas, and the Turk and Caicos Islands, where a tropical storm warning is in effect.

Hundreds of thousands of beachgoing tourists were keeping a watchful eye on massive Hurricane Erin on Tuesday, Aug. 19, as large waves and rough surf driven by the powerful storm were taking aim at the Atlantic Coast from Central Florida to Canada.

Additional strengthening is expected as the storm is forecast to “remain a large and dangerous major hurricane through the middle of this week,” the National Hurricane Center said.

Hurricane Erin, the first major hurricane of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, rapidly intensified Friday night, with the storm now reaching Category 5 strength with sustained winds of 160 mph.

Hurricane Erin exploded in strength to a Category 5 storm in the Caribbean before weakening on Saturday, the National Hurricane Center said.

Tropical Storm Erin is expected to become a strong hurricane by the end of the weekend. How strong will it be and will it impact the U.S.?