Hurricane Erin became the first hurricane of the 2025 Atlantic season Friday (Aug. 15) morning, strengthening as it moves toward the northeast Caribbean and prompting tropical storm watches for parts of the northern Leeward Islands.

TAMPA, Fla. — Hurricane Erin continues to churn over the Atlantic this weekend as a powerful Category 4 storm. Erin weakened slightly from earlier peak intensity, but remains a dangerous hurricane as it moves near the northern Caribbean.

Tropical Storm Erin is expected to start to gain strength starting on Wednesday and will likely become a hurricane either Thursday or Friday.

Erin is expected to reach major hurricane intensity this weekend as it tracks just north of the Caribbean islands, where it could bring rain, gusty winds and high surf. Erin's longer-term future through next week is still somewhat uncertain,