Tropical Storm Erin is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane on Friday as it tracks north of the Caribbean and intensifies into a major Category 3 storm. Here’s the latest forecast.

Tropical Storm Erin is approaching Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, bringing heavy rains that could cause flooding and landslides.

The key to the severity of impacts in the Leeward Islands and Puerto Rico from strengthening Erin depends on how soon a turn to the northwest occurs with a near-miss versus a direct hit.