Hurricane Erin intensifies into category five storm: Know pathways, meaning and more

Hurricane Erin has rapidly intensified into a rare category five hurricane, packing maximum sustained winds of 160mph (260km/h) and is expected to gain even more strength. Mike Brennan, National Hurricane Center Director, said in a briefing that the "extremely powerful" storm had "explosively deepened and intensified" overnight after growing from a tropical storm on Friday.

Hurricane Erin: Pathways

The hurricane is in the Caribbean, and expected to pass north of the Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, Hispaniola and the Turks and Caicos Islands this weekend, bringing up to 15 cm of rain with potential for flash floods and mudslides. It is currently not forecast to make landfall on the mainland US. The NHC said earlier on Saturday that the hurricane's swells will spread to the Bahamas, Bermuda and the East coast of the United States, including Florida and Atlantic Canada early next week.The hurricane is expected to bring dangerous conditions to offshore waters and beaches along the Florida coast from August 18-21, including rip currents and rough, high surf with breakers greater than 7 feet on the 19th and 20th, according to the weather service office in Jacksonville, Florida.

Hurricane Erin: What is a Category Five storm?

A hurricane's sustained wind speed on a scale of 1-5 is rated on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. This scale estimates potential property damage as well.

While category 1 and 2 storms are still dangerous, those reaching 3 and above are considered major for their potential of loss of life and property. A category five storm has winds at the speed of 157mph or higher, leading to catastrophic damage. Homes can be destroyed, trees and power poles can fall, power outages can last for weeks and most of the area can be uninhabitable for months after such a storm.