Hurricane Erin's winds drop to Category 3
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Powerful Hurricane Erin to bring high seas, big waves, rip currents and rough surf as it moves between the United States and Bermuda.
Dare County officials declared a state of emergency Sunday evening as they say Hurricane Erin is forecast to bring life-threatening impacts to the Outer Banks.
Hurricane Erin strengthened 85 mph in 24 hours to a 160 mph Category 5 hurricane putting in fourth place for rapidly intensifying storms.
Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 140 mph, with higher gusts. Erin is a Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Some additional strengthening is expected today. Erin will remain a dangerous major hurricane through the middle of this week.