Hurricane Erin, the first major hurricane of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, rapidly intensified Friday night, with the storm now reaching Category 5 strength with sustained winds of 160 mph.

Hurricane Erin has weakened slightly overnight but remains a very strong storm with winds well over 120 mph, making it still a major hurricane. The track remains mostly unchanged. It will start making that northern turn in the next 24 hours.

On the forecast track, the core of Erin is expected to pass to the east of the Turks and Caicos Islands and the southeastern Bahamas tonight and Monday. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. Stay with WESH 2 online and on air for the most accurate Central Florida weather forecast.

Tropics threats/impacts for Jacksonville/NE Florida/SE Georgia: An increase in seas & surf & a dangerous rip current during the upcoming week... as Erin moves northbound far to the east of Florida. Peak breakers at the beaches will be Wed.

5 p.m. Update: Erin is now organizing and strengthening over the Central Atlantic. Erin is expected to become at least a Catgory 3 hurricane but missing Puerto Rico to the north and staying well east of Florida. It is expected to reach Jacksonville’s latitude about early Wednesday, resulting in some rough seas and surf at area beaches next week.

Tropical Storm Erin is expected to become a strong hurricane by the end of the weekend. How strong will it be and will it impact the U.S.?