Hurricane Erin continues to churn as a powerful Category 4 storm, passing near the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos with sustained winds topping 130 mph. New footage shows lightning flashing around the storm’s cloud-covered eye, a striking reminder of the storm’s intensity.

Meteorologists note that Erin underwent rapid intensification, a phenomenon where a hurricane strengthens at exceptional speed. The storm briefly reached Category 5 strength overnight, with winds near 160 mph and seas building over 50 feet.

Experts warn that such explosive growth is becoming more common, with scientists linking the trend to climate change and unusually warm Atlantic waters fueling hurricanes.

Authorities across the region continue to monitor Erin’s path as the storm maintains its strength.