Hurricane Erin strengthened into a fearsome Category 5 hurricane with sustained winds of 160 mph for much of the day on Aug. 16 as it traveled west just north of the Virgin Islands, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Hurricane Hunters have filmed themselves flying through the eye of Hurricane Erin.

The storm system is expected to create hazardous ocean conditions such as strong swell — longer-period waves — and rip currents.