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Erin becomes Category 5 hurricane as it moves west
FOX 13 meteorologist Valerie Mills has the latest developments with Hurricane Erin as it moves west in the Atlantic.
Hurricane Erin has developed into a Category 5 hurricane as of Saturday morning, according to the National Hurricane Center.
Winds have now reached 160 MPH which makes it a category 5 on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.
Erin is currently north of the Caribbean islands as it moves west.
This weekend, the path of Erin is expected to pass north of the northern Leeward Islands, the NHC says.
Impacts of the hurricane have already been felt throughout the Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico but they are not expecting a direct hit.
The Caribbean Islands should see about 2–4 inches through Sunday and totals could reach up to six inches.
Tropical Storm Watches are in place for St. Martin, Sint Maarten, and St. Barthelemy, with Flood Watches for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
As for where the storm is likely headed, models are in agreement that Erin will turn north this weekend into early next week, staying well east of the U.S.
Erin will stay well east of Florida and likely pass between the U.S. East Coast and Bermuda.
While Erin is not expected to make landfall, it will send swells that create strong surf and rip currents along the Bahamas, much of the U.S. East Coast, and Atlantic Canada next week.
People on the East Coast of Florida should be aware of these life-threatening rip currents.
The NHC is also continuing to monitor a system in the northwestern Atlantic for possible development, although its chances remain low.
The backstory:
Erin caused heavy rain in the Cabo Verde islands, causing multiple deaths and major flooding damage before becoming a named system.
Additional strengthening of the hurricane is expected this afternoon, and fluctuations in intensity are expected for the rest of the weekend.
Another system is being watched in the northwestern Atlantic but the chances it develops are considered low right now.
The NHC is also continuing to monitor a system in the northwestern Atlantic for possible development, although its chances remain low.
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The Source: Information for this story was provided by the National Hurricane Center and FOX 13 meteorologists.