Hurricane Erin, now a Category 4 storm with 215 kph winds, battered the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, causing power outages for 147,000 people and cancelling over 20 flights.

Tropical storm warnings are in effect for the Turks and Caicos and southeastern Bahamas as Erin, still a major hurricane, churns across the Atlantic.

Hurricane-force winds stretch nearly 95 km from its eye, prompting Dare County, North Carolina, to evacuate Hatteras Island amid concerns over damaging surf and threats to Highway 12.

Hurricane Erin, the first Atlantic hurricane of the season, briefly achieved Category 5 strength, and dangerous rip currents and high waves are expected to impact the US East Coast, Bermuda, the Bahamas, and parts of Canada.

Scientists link such rapid intensification to climate change, as warmer oceans fuel stronger storms.