The Atlantic’s first hurricane of the season is expected to develop later today (15AUG).
Tropical Storm Erin is expected to strengthen into hurricane status tonight as it approaches the northeast Caribbean.
Although it’s expected to stay over open water, a tropical storm watch has already been issued for Anguilla and Barbuda, St. Martin and St. Barts, Saba and St. Eustatius and St. Maarten.
The storm is tracking west-northwest and its centre is expected to move near or just north of the northern Leeward islands and become a major Category 4 hurricane by Sunday.
US airlines are beginning to issue travel waivers to allow passengers to change their flights at no cost in order to avoid potential delays and cancellations during the worst of the storms.
The US National Hurricane Centre in Miami is warning of heavy rains beginning late today in Antigua and Barbuda, the US and British Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Two to four inches of rainfall, with isolated areas of six inches, is forecast, which could lead to isolated flash and urban flooding, landslides and mudslides.
"These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions," the NHC warned.
