After rapidly intensifying into a Category 5 storm on Saturday, Hurricane Erin has since been downgraded to a Category 4 system with sustained winds of 130 mph. However, it is expected to intensify and grow in size over the next few days.

Hurricane Erin is moving east of the U.S. coast as a major storm and will bring strong waves and rip currents to Florida's east coast – and it comes as the National Hurricane Center is eyeing two more tropical waves in the Atlantic.

Hurricane Erin strengthened 85 mph in 24 hours to a 160 mph Category 5 hurricane putting in fourth place for rapidly intensifying storms.

Erin is expected to maintain hurricane strength through at least Friday, with its massive wind field stretching wider than previously forecast. The storm is beginning to recurve to the north and northeast, staying offshore but tracking uncomfortably close to the eastern U.S.

"The core of Erin is expected to pass to the east of the southeastern and central Bahamas today and tonight," the National Hurricane Center said.