Erin has become the first hurricane of the Atlantic season, with several areas already on alert for heavy rain while strong waves and rip currents are possible along the East Coast of the United States as early as next week.

TAMPA, Fla. — Hurricane Erin continues to churn over the Atlantic this weekend as a powerful Category 4 storm. Erin weakened slightly from earlier peak intensity, but remains a dangerous hurricane as it moves near the northern Caribbean.