Erin has weakened somewhat, especially when compared to its rapid rise to a Category 5 hurricane, but it still remains a significant storm as it retains its major category status.

Hurricane Erin became a catastrophic Category 5 storm before noon on Saturday, Aug. 16, according to the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center.

Erin is expected to produce dangerous surf and rip currents along the beaches of the Bahamas, much of the East Coast of the U.S., including Florida, and Atlantic Canada next week.