Hurricane Erin strengthened into a Category 2 storm on Friday as it approached the northeast Caribbean, prompting forecasters to warn of possible flooding and landslides.

As of 11:20 a.m. on Saturday, Hurricane Erin has strengthened to a Category 5 storm, NHC said.

Erin is expected to pass north of the Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico over the weekend, bringing up to 6in (15cm) of rain, with the potential for flash flooding and mudslides.