Tropical Storm Erika forms in the Atlantic, threatens the Leeward Islands
UPDATE: 2 p.m. Erika is located 640 miles east of the Leeward Islands. Winds are sustained at 45 miles per hour and it is moving west at 20 miles per hour. Gradual strengthening is expected in the next few days.
Tropical Storm Erika is strengthening in the Atlantic Ocean.
The storm reached Tropical Storm status Monday night at 11 p.m. Tuesday, little strengthening has occurred, with winds still sustained near 45 miles per hour. However, additional strengthening is expected in the days ahead.
The National Hurricane Center is forecasting that the storm will strengthen into a hurricane by Saturday morning, near the Bahamas.
The cyclone will have to battle drier air, and stronger winds as it approaches the U.S. As a result, many models have it dissipating before it reaches the states.
At this point, this is the only area of low pressure being monitored for potential development in the coming days.
For more on this storm and others, follow the link below to our Hurricane Tracker section.
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