As of Thursday morning, Erin was located about 904 miles east of the Leeward Islands and 1,091 miles east of the British Virgin Islands, moving west at 17 mph with maximum sustained winds near 50 mph. The system is expected to pass just north of the Leeward Islands, Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico this weekend, bringing the possibility of heavy rainfall, tropical-storm-force winds and dangerous rip currents.

Forecasters said large swells are likely to affect coastal areas as early as Friday, creating hazardous conditions for swimmers and boaters. Even if the storm’s center remains offshore, impacts are expected across much of the northeastern Caribbean.

The latest forecast track shows Erin curving north and northeast away from the United States early next week, but meteorologists caution that the storm’s exact proximity to the East Coast remains uncertain. Rough surf and a high risk for rip currents are likely along the U.S. East Coast throughout next week, regardless of the storm’s final path.

Erin’s maximum winds are projected to strengthen significantly over the next 48 hours, with tropical-storm-force winds extending up to 60 miles from its center. Officials in the Leeward Islands and British Virgin Islands have urged residents to monitor updates and review hurricane preparedness plans.

The next advisory is expected at 11 a.m. ECT or sooner if conditions change, forecasters Letitia Humphreys and Charissa Humphreys said.

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