As of Saturday morning, Hurricane Erin had strengthened into a Category 4 storm -- but is on the cusp of becoming a Category 5 storm -- with maximum sustained winds of up to 155 mph, the National Hurricane Center said. The hurricane is forecast to become a Category 5 storm later on Saturday.

Erin is expected to become a Category 4 storm, with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph.

Dangerous surf and rip currents are expected to affect the U.S. East Coast next week, with waves reaching up to 15 feet (5 meters) along parts of the North Carolina coast that could cause beach erosi...