Within a single day, Erin strengthened from a tropical storm into a Category 5 hurricane—the highest classification—an acceleration that scientists say is linked to the climate crisis.

Described as an "exceptionally powerful storm," it is not expected to make landfall but may trigger flooding and landslides in islands across the Caribbean.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center reported that Hurricane Erin, moving swiftly across the Caribbean Sea, intensified dramatically over the weekend and by Saturday evening reached Category 5 status.

According to the center, the storm is carrying winds of up to 255 kilometers per hour and is now classified as a "catastrophic Category 5 hurricane." Officials added that the system is "exceptionally powerful" and could continue to strengthen.

The Caribbean Sea, part of the Atlantic Ocean, is witnessing its first hurricane of 2025.

On Saturday evening, Erin was located 170 kilometers northeast of the British territory of Anguilla in the Leeward Islands, a region that also includes the Virgin Islands.

The storm is expected to pass north of the Leeward Islands and Puerto Rico.

By Monday, it is forecast to continue moving northward, tracking between the U.S. East Coast and Bermuda.

High waves generated by Erin are expected to reach parts of the northern Leeward Islands, Puerto Rico, the Turks and Caicos Islands, and Hispaniola.

In the coming week, hurricane-driven swells could also impact the Bahamas, Bermuda, and sections of the U.S. East Coast.