Hurricane Erin rapidly intensified into a Category 4 storm in the Caribbean, earlier than forecasters had predicted.

Hurricane Erin rapidly intensified into a Category 4 storm over the Atlantic, doubling wind speeds in 24 hours and threatening the Caribbean with heavy rain.

Hurricane Erin strengthened to a Category 4 storm Saturday as it churned towards the Caribbean, with weather officials warning of possible flash floods and landslides. The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) said in its latest report the storm'

Hurricane Erin strengthened rapidly to a Category 3 storm early today as it churned towards the Caribbean, with a warning issued that flash floods

Erin strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane on Friday morning east of the Caribbean Islands and is expected to keep strengthening through the weekend.

Tropical Storm Erin has begun strengthening as it streaks west across the Atlantic and is on track to reach hurricane status as soon as Friday, prompting tropical storm watches in the northern Leeward Islands.

Hurricane Erin rapidly strengthened into a Category 4 storm less than 24 hours after being named the first hurricane of the Atlantic season.

Erin, moving near the Leeward Islands, is expected to pass north of Puerto Rico this weekend, the National Hurricane Center said.

Hurricane Erin gained strength Friday as it churned in the Atlantic Ocean and bore down on the Caribbean, where it could bring heavy rain to the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

Erin is expected to reach major hurricane intensity this weekend as it tracks just north of the Caribbean islands, where it could bring rain, gusty winds and high surf.Erin's longer-term future through next week is still somewhat uncertain,