The NHC said it currently expected Erin to become a Category 4 storm later Saturday but to eventually swerve away from the continental United States.

Hurricane Erin is rapidly intensifying as it tracks above the northeastern Caribbean Saturday, churning up rough surf and sending rain and gusty winds to islands south of its path.

The storm is about 150 miles northeast of Anguilla with maximum sustained winds of 130 mph. It is moving west-northwest at 20 mph and is not expected to hit land, although strong winds are affecting nearby islands.