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

Hurricane Erin on Monday bulked back up as a major Category 4 storm with an increasing wind field as it moved near the Bahamas. Meanwhile, the National Hurricane Center increased the odds a system

Coastal flood and beach erosion are also possible this week as Hurricane Erin passes far off the Jersey Shore.

There is a risk for dangerous surf and life-threatening rip currents along the entire east coast, including most of Florida.

Rip currents and high surf are expected along Massachusetts' coast, and particularly at its south-facing beaches.

Hurricane Erin strengthened back into a Category 4 storm as U.S. officials warned of dangerous rip currents this week.

Parts of North Carolina's Outer Banks are under mandatory evacuation orders, as the National Hurricane Center warns that Hurricane Erin could bring tall waves topping 15 to 20 feet.

The storm is currently over the Atlantic Ocean, and has rapidly intensified. It is expected to pound the Carolina coast with dangerous surf and riptides.

The storm will remain a major hurricane through the middle of the week, according to the National Hurricane Center.