Hurricane Erin rapidly intensified Saturday, becoming the first Category 5 hurricane of the Atlantic season after strengthening from a tropical storm in just 24 hours.

The National Hurricane Center reported that Erin's maximum sustained winds more than doubled to 160 mph (255 kph) by late Saturday morning.

Mike Brennen, director of the National Hurricane Center in Miami, called Erin a "very powerful hurricane," noting its winds gained 60 mph (96 kph) in intensity within approximately nine hours on Saturday.

"We expect to see Erin peak here in intensity relatively soon," Brennan said in an online briefing.

Michael Lowry, a hurricane specialist and storm surge expert, highlighted the exceptional pace of Erin's strengthening, calling it "incredible for any time of year, let alone Aug. 16.

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