Tropical Storm Erin is gaining strength over the Atlantic and is forecast to become a hurricane by Friday, potentially intensifying into a major Category 3 storm this weekend, according to the National Hurricane Center.

As of 11 a.m. Thursday, Erin was located near 16.4°N and 49.7°W with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph, moving west at 17 mph. Forecasters say the storm is benefiting from warmer waters and light wind shear, both favorable for rapid strengthening.

Models indicate Erin will turn north this weekend into early next week, likely staying well east of the U.S. mainland due to a weakness in the subtropical ridge. If the current track holds, it could pass about halfway between Bermuda and North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Tropical storm-force winds are possible in Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and the northern Leeward Islands as the system passes nearby.

While Erin’s long-term path remains uncertain, potential impacts to Bermuda or the U.S. East Coast next week will depend on the exact track.

Meanwhile, forecasters are monitoring Invest 98L near the west coast of the Yucatán Peninsula. It has a 20% chance of developing into a tropical depression or storm within the next week before moving ashore in Mexico or Texas. Regardless of development, it is not expected to be strong or affect Florida. The next storm name on the 2025 Atlantic list is Fernand.

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(Image credit: The Weather Channel)

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