Hurricane Erin on Saturday strengthened to a catastrophic Category 5 storm as it barrelled towards the Caribbean, with weather officials warning of possible flash floods and landslides.The

Hurricane Erin strengthened rapidly to a Category 3 storm early today as it churned towards the Caribbean, with a warning issued that flash floods

The outer bands of Erin are expected to produce 2 to 4 inches of rainfall and isolated totals of 6 inches across the northern Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico through Aug. 17. Flash and urban flooding, and landslides or mudslides, are possible.

Hurricane Erin will continue to strengthen as it approaches the Leeward Island and Puerto Rico, where it will threaten with tropical downpours, pounding surf and strong winds.

Tropical Storm Erin has begun strengthening as it streaks west across the Atlantic and is on track to reach hurricane status as soon as Friday, prompting tropical storm watches in the northern Leeward Islands.

Erin is expected to reach major hurricane intensity this weekend as it tracks just north of the Caribbean islands, where it could bring rain, gusty winds and high surf. Erin's longer-term future through next week is still somewhat uncertain,