Hurricane Erin’s intensification was extraordinary, with an 85 mph jump in just 24 hours. That makes it one of the fastest Category 1 to Category 5 transitions ever recorded in the Atlantic. It even slightly surpassed Hurricane Lee’s 2023 leap of about 80 mph in 24 hours, placing Erin in rare company.

It continues to push toward the northern Leeward Islands, where tropical storm watches are now in effect as of the 8 p.m. update from the National Hurricane Center. Intensification is expected as Erin moves toward warmer ocean temperatures over the next several days.

The August weather might seem ideal for a beach trip, but Hurricane Erin will bring widespread danger in coming days.

South Florida beachgoers are being warned of life-threatening rip currents that are expected along the coastline next week, as part of the impacts from Hurricane Erin.

5 p.m. Update: Erin is now organizing and strengthening over the Central Atlantic. Erin is expected to become at least a Catgory 3 hurricane but missing Puerto Rico to the north and staying well east of Florida. It is expected to reach Jacksonville’s latitude about early Wednesday, resulting in some rough seas and surf at area beaches next week.

Hurricane season spans from June 1 to November 30. Here’s what you should know before Erin or any future storm approaches land.