Maximum sustained winds in Hurricane Dorian have increased to 175 mph, making it a strong Category 5 as it nears a catastrophic strike on the northern Bahamas.

The increase in winds was confirmed by a Hurricane Hunter aircraft investigating Dorian.

Wind gusts over 200 mph are possible in the northern Bahamas, according to the National Hurricane Center update. A storm surge 15 to 20 feet above normal tide levels is also possible.

For more on the forecast for Dorian, .