Tropical Storm Erin is rapidly intensifying towards Puerto Rico and may become a hurricane

• Erin could become the first hurricane of the season by Friday.
• A warning about the tropical storm has been issued for several islands.
• Heavy rains and flooding are possible on these U.S. territories.

Tropical Storm Erin continues its path across the Atlantic Ocean and could become the first hurricane of the season by the end of this week. According to the National Hurricane Center, as of Thursday evening the storm was located 690 miles east of the northern Leeward Islands with maximum winds up to 70 mph.

Erin is forecasted to strengthen into a hurricane by Friday, and then could quickly intensify into a major hurricane by Saturday. Meteorologist Alex DaSilva from AccuWeather confirmed that there is a possibility that Erin could become a Category 4 hurricane.

This weekend, heavy rains and possible flooding are expected on the islands. Currently, warnings have been issued for Anguilla, Barbados, St. Martin, and other islands regarding the tropical storm.

This storm has already been linked to the deaths of at least nine people on the island of San Vicente, Cabo Verde, due to heavy rains and flooding. The Cabo Verde government declared a state of emergency.

The California governor Gavin Newsom announced the deployment of resources from California to Puerto Rico to assist in preparation for the potential hurricane. The federal agency for managing extraordinary situations also confirmed readiness to provide support.

Erin has become the fifth named storm of this hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30.

Tags: Weather