Hurricane Erin on Saturday exploded into a major Category 5 storm with 160 mph sustained winds as it moved just north of the Caribbean, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Hurricane Erin is passing the Caribbean to its north as a powerful Category 5 cyclone. The hurricane is expected to maintain its intensity for the next several days, while generating dangerous waves along the Southeast coast.

Hurricane Erin has strengthened to a dangerous Category 5 storm, but remains on track to just send dangerous surf and rip currents to the Jersey Shore.

Hurricane Erin is bringing heavy rain to the U.S. Virgin Islands on Saturday as the Category 5 storm moves through the Caribbean