Jean-Raymond Bidlot, senior scientist in ocean modeling at the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) told Newsweek that Erin is forecast to strengthen over the next week as it heads toward the U.S. East Coast, reaching peak intensity offshore from Cape Hatteras.

Slightly drier air over the Suncoast Saturday means isolated thunderstorms for the day. Sunday brings more moisture over us with a higher chance of afternoon thunderstorms. Then drier air pushes over much of Florida for the week ahead, which will drop the thunderstorm coverage during the week.

Forecasters say Hurricane Erin has formed in the Atlantic Ocean on track to bring heavy rains that could lead to flooding and landslides in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.