It continues to push toward the northern Leeward Islands, where tropical storm watches are now in effect as of the 8 p.m. update from the National Hurricane Center. Intensification is expected as Erin moves toward warmer ocean temperatures over the next several days.

The NHC said it currently expected Erin to become a Category 4 storm later Saturday but to eventually swerve away from the continental United States.

Hurricane Erin is rapidly intensifying as it tracks above the northeastern Caribbean Saturday, churning up rough surf and sending rain and gusty winds to islands south of its path.

Erin has intensified to a Category Four Hurricane as it makes its way toward the East Coast of the United States.

Erin rapidly intensified into a major hurricane overnight. While Erin is forecast to remain well east of Florida, there will be coastal impacts as incoming large swells arrive next week and produce a HIGH risk of rip currents,