Erin exploded into a Category 5 hurricane on Saturday after rapidly strengthening over the Atlantic Ocean, the National Hurricane Center said.

Hurricane Erin has rapidly intensified into a category five hurricane, packing maximum sustained winds of 160mph (260km/h).

Dangerous surf and rip currents are expected to affect the U.S. East Coast next week, with waves reaching up to 15 feet (5 meters) along parts of the North Carolina coast that could cause beach erosi...