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.

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.

The August weather might seem ideal for a beach trip, but Hurricane Erin will bring widespread danger in coming days.

As Hurricane Erin lifts northward into the Atlantic, it will drag drier air into Florida. The result will be lower rain and storm chances midweek, with temps in the mid 90s. The moisture looks to quickly build for the back end of next week, with temps holding in the mid 90s.

South Florida beachgoers are being warned of life-threatening rip currents that are expected along the coastline next week, as part of the impacts from Hurricane Erin.

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.

Hurricane season spans from June 1 to November 30. Here’s what you should know before Erin or any future storm approaches land.