When will Tropical Storm Erin become a hurricane?
The storm is spinning out in the Atlantic, with forecasts showing a track heading toward the United States. But with great uncertainty in the long-term forecast track, it's too early to know what impact, if any, Erin will have.
As of 11 a.m. on Aug. 12, the National Hurricane Center predicts the storm will reach hurricane intensity on Thursday, Aug. 14 and become a major hurricane on Sunday, Aug. 17.
Hurricanes have winds of 74 mph or higher and major hurricanes have winds of 111 mph or higher.
Storm tracker: Tropical Storm Erin expected to strengthen into major hurricane
The storm, which formed near the Cabo Verde Islands off the West African Coast, is likely to be the first major Atlantic hurricane of the season, forecasters say.
Warm ocean waters and low wind shear are helping Erin along, according to AccuWeather.com.
A Bermuda high is among the factors that could impact how Erin progresses toward the U.S.
'Erin will bring gusty wind and heavy rain to northern Puerto Rico as it passes to the north this weekend," AccuWeather lead hurricane expert Alex DaSilva said in an email. One to 2 inches of rain is expected on the northern side of the island, but there may be pockets that see as much as 7 inches of rain, bringing the risk of flash flooding, DaSilva added. Winds could gust to 80 mph, triggering some power outages as well.
Map shows Erin forecast track
This forecast track shows the most likely path of the center of the storm. It does not illustrate the full width of the storm or its impacts, and the center of the storm is likely to travel outside the cone up to 33% of the time.
Contributing: Chris Cann, Doyle Rice and Joel Shannon
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