Tropical Storm Erin could be major hurricane by this weekend. Here's the latest track

Tropical storm Erin on track to becoming a hurricane

FOX 13 meteorologist Jim Weber has the very latest on Tropical Storm Erin as it moves west in the Atlantic.

TAMPA, Fla. - Tropical Storm Erin hasn't gained much strength since forming on Monday over the Atlantic, but the National Hurricane Center says that should change soon as the storm moves west toward more favorable conditions for development.

Tropical Storm Erin's track

As of 11 a.m. Wednesday, Erin was located at 16.3N and 43.4W with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph.

The storm is moving west at 17 mph.

Erin should become the first hurricane of the season before the week ends, and weather models are now leaning toward it steering well east off the east coast of Florida next week.

Residents in the northern Leeward Islands, Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico should monitor the immediate progress of this system closely. 

While confidence in the forecast track is increasing, it’s still too early to determine potential impacts for the Greater Antilles, Bahamas, Bermuda, or other parts of the eastern U.S. coastline.

The forecast is becoming clearer with each update, and the Hurricane Hunters are scheduled to fly through Erin on Thursday to collect crucial data that will help fine-tune the track and intensity outlook. 

Warm ocean temperatures and low wind shear along Erin’s path are expected to support steady strengthening in the coming days. 

If the high-pressure ridge to the north weakens as expected, it would open a pathway for Erin to curve northward.

How close will Erin get to Florida?

We are additionally watching the Bay of Campeche for a disturbance with a low (20%) chance of development. 

Early indications suggest a general northwest movement for anything that forms there in the short term. 

Regardless, this wave is not expected to bring any impacts to Florida.

"Fernand" is the next name up on our 2025 storm naming list.