A category 3 storm will have winds from 111-129 mph. It can cause major damage to well-built framed homes, uproot trees and cause power and communication outages.

"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.

Hurricane Erin's winds drop to Category 3; Outer Banks brace for dangerous storm surge Christopher Cann Dinah Voyles Pulver Jorge L. Ortiz USA TODAY ...

Hurricane Erin has been downgraded to a Category 3 hurricane but is gaining in size and is forecast to strengthen anew.

Hurricane Erin strengthened into a Category 2 storm on Friday as it approached the northeast Caribbean.

Hurricane Erin weakens to Category 3 but storm size expected to widen Water surrounds a house in Guayama, Puerto Rico, as Hurricane Erin brings rains to the island, Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025.

On Sunday, the NHC downgraded Erin to a Category 3 hurricane early in the day, Reuters reported, noting that the storm had previously been recorded as Category 5, then Category 4.

Hurricane Erin strengthened overnight to a Category 4 hurricane and will make its turn to the north Aug. 18, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Hurricane Erin has been downgraded to a Category 3 hurricane but is gaining in size and raising the risk of life-threatening surf later this week along the U.S. Eastern seaboard.