FLORIDA – Hurricane Erin underwent explosive intensification early this morning, briefly reaching Category 5 strength with sustained winds of 160 mph before weakening slightly to Category 4.

The powerful storm formed in the Caribbean and is now moving northward, with forecasts suggesting it could threaten parts of the U.S. East Coast in the coming days. Meteorologists caution that the exact severity of impacts will depend heavily on Erin’s track as it approaches land.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has urged residents in coastal states to closely monitor updates and prepare for possible evacuation orders. Even if the storm does not make a direct landfall, its size and strength could still bring dangerous storm surges, flooding rains, and damaging winds.

Hurricane Erin’s rapid intensification has raised concerns among forecasters, who note that warmer ocean waters and favorable atmospheric conditions have fueled its growth. “This storm is a serious threat,” the NHC said in a morning advisory.

As emergency crews in Florida and along the Atlantic seaboard prepare for potential impact, officials are warning the public not to underestimate the storm. Preparations, they stress, should be made well ahead of Erin’s approach.