Tropical Storm Erin is forecast to rapidly strengthen into a hurricane this weekend as it nears the northeastern Caribbean and Bahamas, raising concerns for strong winds, heavy rain, and dangerous surf along the islands.

Tropical Storm Erin is slightly intensifying and forecast to become a hurricane Friday with a chance of ultimately affecting the U.S. East Coast next week.

Tropical Storm Erin is continuing to move west and is forecast to become a hurricane later this week, according to the National Hurricane Center.