The first Atlantic hurricane of 2025, Erin ramped up from a tropical storm to a Category 5 hurricane in a mere 24 hours.

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.

Tropical Storm Erin, a brewing powerhouse in the Atlantic, is gaining strength and is forecast to become the season’s first hurricane by the weekend. It has the potential to be a major hurricane, prompting millions along the US East Coast and Caribbean to keep a close watch.