Published on, Aug. 17 -- August 17, 2025 3:03 PM

Hurricane Erin rapidly intensified into a catastrophic Category 5 storm on Saturday, pounding parts of the Caribbean with heavy rain and violent winds. Within just 24 hours, the storm jumped from a Category 1 to a Category 5, signaling one of the fastest intensifications in recent years. Its centre was located about 135 miles northwest of Anguilla, and although no direct landfall is expected, outer rain bands continue to affect nearby islands.

Authorities have issued flash flood warnings for Saint Thomas and Saint John in the US Virgin Islands as the storm's outer edges brought torrential rainfall. Tropical storm watches remain in effect for several territories, including St. Martin, St. ...