Hurricane Erin Surges to Category 4: Intense Coastal Threats Loom

Hurricane Erin has regained strength, reaching category 4 status upon completing an eyewall replacement cycle, the U.S. National Hurricane Center reported on Sunday. This resurgence raises alarms about potential life-threatening surf and rip currents looming along the U.S. eastern seaboard in the coming days.

The formidable hurricane is situated roughly 965 miles south-southeast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, and is carrying maximum sustained winds of 130 mph, equivalent to 215 kph.

The Hurricane Center forecasts "some additional strengthening over the next 12 hours," although gradual weakening is expected thereafter.

(With inputs from agencies.)