TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Tropical storm Erin is expected to intensify and become a hurricane today, the National Hurricane Center said.
Located about 570 miles east of the Northern Leeward Islands, Erin heads west-northwest at a speed of about 17 mph.
The movement is expected to continue through the weekend as Erin is likely to move near or north of the Northern Leeward Islands.
The maximum sustained wind is close to 70 mph.
The NHC said the strengthening is expected for the next few days, when Erin is expected to become a hurricane later today.
Tropical Storm Erin is predicted to become a Category 4 hurricane.
Tropical Storm Watch is enabled:
Anguilla and Barbuda St. Martin and St. Barthelmey Sabah and St. Eustatius Sint Marten
Southeast Bay
The disturbances located in the western Gulf Coast can result in short-lived tropical depression before moving inland to northeastern Mexico or northeastern Texas or northeastern Texas, according to the NHC.
Regardless of development, heavy rain will be possible along parts of northeastern Mexico and southern Texas over the next few days.
According to the NHC, Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter Aircraft is scheduled to investigate the system this morning.
The chance of formation over the next 48 hours and 7 days is 50%.
Watch track the tropical Tuesday at 12:30pm (11:30pm ET) CT
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