Tropical Storm Erin has become a hurricane as of 11 a.m., Friday, August 15. The storm is forecast to become a major hurricane (Category 3 or 4) with peak wind speeds of around 130 mph over the weekend,

Tropical Storm Erin has begun strengthening as it streaks west across the Atlantic and is on track to reach hurricane status as soon as Friday, prompting tropical storm watches in the northern Leeward Islands.

Hurricane Erin has surged to Category 4 storm status and could bring dangerous surf and rip currents to the Jersey Shore next week as it remains far out to see.