Tropical Storm Erika Expected To Strengthen as It Speeds Toward Bahamas

"Tropical Storm Erika formed  Monday night, the fifth named storm of the 2015 hurricane season. While Hurricane Danny struggled to maintain its intensity as it battled the hostile Atlantic environment, Tropical Storm Erika could prove to have more stamina, and is forecast to strengthen into a Category 1 hurricane by the time it reaches the Bahamas this weekend.

On Tuesday morning, Tropical Storm Erika was  about 750 miles east of the Leeward Islands in the tropical Atlantic, and had sustained winds of 45 mph, with gusts up to 60 mph. Erika’s thunderstorm activity has decreased over the past 12 hours, but the storm is expected to strengthen as it tracks west toward the Caribbean.

Erika was born from a tropical disturbance that left the coast of Africa last Thursday, and since then has swiftly moved west across the Atlantic Ocean. At 20 mph, Erika is moving at roughly twice the speed that former-Hurricane Danny moved, so effects will be seen within the next couple of days for the northeast Caribbean. A tropical storm watch is  in effect for the northern Leeward Islands."

Brian McNoldy reports for the Washington Post's Capital Weather Gang August 25, 2015.

SEE ALSO:

"Tropical Storm Erika Heads Toward The Eastern Caribbean" (Reuters)