As of Friday evening, Hurricane Erin had strengthened into a Category 2 storm with maximum sustained winds of up to 100 mph and "expected to rapidly intensify into a major hurricane this weekend," the National Hurricane Center said at 11 p.m. ET.

A southward shift in Erin’s track has led to an increase in risk for the northern Caribbean Islands, though a direct hit in the United States is unlikely.

Tropical storm Erin is forecast to become the first major Atlantic hurricane of the year, and it could bring dangerous weather to the East. Here’s what to know. The first Atlantic hurricane of the year could be upon us.