Implications for the Leeward Islands: Residents and visitors in St. Thomas, St. John, St. Croix, Puerto Rico and the northern Leeward Islands should monitor this system throughout the week. Even if the wave remains weak, increased moisture could bring showers, gusty winds and higher seas toward the end of the week.

The peak intensity is now expected at a strong Cat 3 with winds of 125 mph. The storm will miss a direct hit to the Windward Islands, Puerto Rico, and Hispaniola. Once the system is north of Puerto Rico,

Get an abbreviated, text view of what's happening with Hurricane Erin. Hurricane Erin strengthened as it took a turn to the north Wednesday and conditions are expected to deteriorate soon in North Carolina's Outer Banks,

A disturbance in the Atlantic following Hurricane Erin is now expected to track northward, according to NHC data.

Forecasts nudge Erin's likely path to the west, increasing the risks at U.S. beaches. Tropical storm conditions are expected in North Carolina's Outer Banks starting late Wednesday.