New Delhi, Aug. 17 -- Hurricane Erin rapidly intensified, reaching a "catastrophic" Category 5 level as heavy rain swept across parts of the Caribbean. Weather authorities have warned of possible flash floods and landslides. Erin is the first hurricane of what is predicted to be a particularly active Atlantic season. While the storm is not expected to make landfall, it is forecast to bring strong winds and heavy rain to several islands.

According to the US National Hurricane Center (NHC), Erin's maximum sustained winds have risen to 160 miles (255 kilometres) per hour. The storm was last located about 135 miles (215 kilometres) northwest of Anguilla in the northern Leeward Islands, a region that includes both the US and British Virgin Is...