Hurricane Erin strengthens into a Category 5 storm in the Atlantic

Hurricane Erin exploded in strength into a Category 5 storm in Atlantic waters just north of the Caribbean on Saturday, rapidly powering up from a tropical storm ina single day, the National Hurricane Center said.

- By DAnica Coto

ALEJANDRO GRANADILLO Associated Press THE STORM'S approach offshore was expected to bring heavy rain to Puerto Rico, including Condado Beach.

Though the compact hurricane’s center wasn't expected to hit land, it threatened to deliver flooding rains to Puerto Rico and other populated areas as it continued to grow.

The first Atlantic hurricane of 2025, Erin ramped up from a tropical storm to a Category 5 hurricane in 24 hours. By late Saturday morning, its maximum sustained winds more than doubled to 160 mph.

MikeBrennen, director of the National Hurricane Center in Miami, said Erin had swiftly grown into a “very powerful hurricane,” racing from maximum sustained winds of 100 mph to 160 mph in nine hours.

The Hurricane Center said Erin should begin to slowly weaken Monday as the storm encounters increased wind shear. However, forecasters predicted it will remain a major hurricane until late in the week.