Tropical Storm Erika approaching the Leeward Islands
MIAMI -- Tropical Storm Erika is approaching the Leeward Islands from the Atlantic, and forecasters say it may gain strength.
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The storm's maximum sustained winds Tuesday are 45 mph (75 kph).
Tropical storm watches have been issued for portions of the Leeward Islands including Montserrat, Antigua, Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, Anguilla, Saba, St. Eustatius, St. Maarten, Guadeloupe, St. Martin, and St. Barthelemy. A tropical storm watch means tropical storm conditions are possible within 48 hours.
Erika is centered about 730 miles (1,170 kilometers) east of the Leeward Islands and is moving west near 20 mph (31 kph).
Meanwhile in the Pacific, a tropical depression is forecast to become a tropical storm later in the day. The depression has maximum sustained winds near 35 mph (55 kph). It's centered about 1,565 miles (2,520 kilometers) east-southeast of Hilo, Hawaii, and is moving west.
