Topline<\/p>\n
Tropical Storm Erin formed Monday and is expected to become a major hurricane as it moves across the Atlantic Ocean, according to the National Hurricane Center, though the potential risks to the U.S. remain unclear.<\/p>\n
Erin is expected to form into a hurricane by Friday. (Photo by Joe Raedle\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n
Getty ImagesKey Facts<\/p>\n
The tropical storm, which formed in the eastern Atlantic on Monday and is now west of the Cabo Verde Islands, has 45 mph maximum sustained winds.<\/p>\n
The storm is forecast to form into a hurricane by early Friday morning and a major hurricane by Saturday, when the National Hurricane Center projects it to be located northeast of Puerto Rico.<\/p>\n
It is expected to be a Category 3 storm with 115 mph sustained winds at that time.<\/p>\n
The track after that is largely unclear, with forecasters noting the spread in model guidance increases \u201cmarkedly\u201d at the end of the five-day projection.<\/p>\n
Get Forbes Breaking News Text Alerts: We\u2019re launching text message alerts so you’ll always know the biggest stories shaping the day\u2019s headlines. Text \u201cAlerts\u201d to (201) 335-0739 or sign up here<\/a>.<\/p>\n How Many Named Storms Have Formed So Far This Hurricane Season?<\/p>\n Five, with Erin being the fifth. None have reached hurricane strength. However, Tropical Storm Chantal managed to directly hit the East Coast early last month, bringing flooding and tornadoes to the Carolinas, where at least six people died.<\/p>\n Tangent<\/p>\n Hurricane Henriette<\/a> formed in the Central Pacific Ocean on Sunday. The system is north of Hawaii and is expected to continue northward before weakening around Wednesday and Thursday.<\/p>\n Key Background<\/p>\n