SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — Erin became a Category 4 hurricane in the Caribbean early Saturday and is expected to strengthen further during the day, the National Hurricane Center reported.

The storm is currently 150 miles (240 kilometers) northeast of Anguilla with maximum sustained winds of 130 mph (215 kph). It is moving west-northwest at 20 mph (31 kph).

It is currently not forecast to hit land, but strong winds are affecting nearby islands, prompting forecasters to warn of possible flooding and landslides. The NHC said it currently expected Erin to eventually swerve away from the continental United States.

Tropical storm watches are in place for St. Martin and St. Barthelemy and Sint Maarten. Up to 4 inches (10 centimeters) are expected, with isolated totals of up to 6 inches (15 c

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