Tropical Storm Expected to Become Major Hurricane by Sunday; Officials Urge Residents to Monitor Path and Prepare.

Tropical Storm Erin is strengthening and on a path to become a major hurricane by Sunday morning, according to the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center (NHC). The storm, which is currently churning in the Atlantic, is expected to reach hurricane status by Friday afternoon.

The current forecast track predicts that Erin will reach a very strong Category 3 with maximum sustained winds of 125 mph within five days. A major hurricane is defined as a Category 3 or higher on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, with maximum sustained winds of at least 111 mph.

While the storm is currently projected to curve north well before reaching Florida and the U.S. mainland,

See Full Page