Hurricane Erin exploded in strength to a Category 5 storm in Atlantic waters just north of the Caribbean on Saturday, rapidly powering up from a tropical storm in a single day, the National Hurricane Center said.

While a Gulf disturbance that moved into Texas on Friday seems to have run its course, Hurricane Erin in the western Atlantic intensifies.

Hurricane Erin weakened slightly Saturday night but is still a formidable Category 4 storm north of Puerto Rico. The 11 pm advisory from the National Hurricane Center now has Erin with winds of 140 mph,