Hurricane Erin became a catastrophic Category 5 storm before noon on Saturday, Aug. 16, according to the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center.

Hurricane Erin has rapidly intensified to a Category 4 storm as it tracks above the northeastern Caribbean, churning up rough surf and sending rain and gusty winds to islands south of its path.

The storm will generate dangerous life-threatening surf and rip currents up almost "entire east coast" of the United States next week, said Mr Brennan.