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

Erin strengthened into a powerful Category 4 hurricane in the Caribbean on Saturday and continues to intensify, the National Hurricane Center said.

The East Coast is expected to experience large waves and dangerous rip currents for around a week starting on Wednesday, Aug. 20, according to the National Hurricane Center.