Hurricane Erin will continue to strengthen as it approaches the Leeward Island and Puerto Rico, where it will threaten with tropical downpours, pounding surf and strong winds.

Tropical Storm Erin is approaching Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, bringing heavy rains that could cause flooding and landslides

Hurricane Erin, which started as a tropical storm west of the Cabo Verde Islands, is making its way towards the east coast — although, its core is not forecast to go over land.

Tropical Storm Erin is expected to become a hurricane on Friday, according to the National Hurricane Center. As of the 5 p.m. advisory, Erin was located about 890 miles east of the Northern Leeward Islands and had maximum sustained winds of 60 mph with a minimum central pressure of 998 mb.

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.

Tropical Storm Erin is expected to start to gain strength starting on Wednesday and will likely become a hurricane either Thursday or Friday.