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

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Erin strengthened into a powerful Category 4 hurricane in the Caribbean on Saturday and continues to intensify, the National Hurricane Center said. The storm is 150 miles northeast of Anguilla with maximum sustained winds of 145 mph. It is moving west-northwest at 20 mph (31 kph).

Hurricane Erin formed Friday and quickly escalated to a Category 4 storm with sustained winds of 130 mph. The current forecast path has the storm remaining far off the East Coast.

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.

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