Hurricane Erin exploded in strength to a Category 5 storm in the Caribbean on Saturday, rapidly powering up from a tropical storm in a single day, the National Hurricane Center said.

The storm is currently north of Anguilla, with winds of 160 mph.

It swiftly grew in size and power from a tropical storm just 24 hours earlier.

It is moving west, but forecast to turn northward in the coming days.

While it is not forecast to hit land, strong winds are affecting nearby islands, raising concerns about flooding and landslides. Tropical storm watches are in place for several islands.

Experts predict Erin will turn northeast, potentially affecting Bermuda.

This is the first hurricane of the Atlantic season, which is predicted to be unusually busy.