A disturbance in the Atlantic following Hurricane Erin is now expected to track northward, National Hurricane Center data shows.

The storm will remain a major hurricane through the middle of the week, according to the National Hurricane Center.

The outer bands of powerful Hurricane Erin lashed Puerto Rico, and the storm is approaching the Bahamas next. What can the mainland U.S. expect?

Tropical Storm Erin is approaching Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, bringing heavy rains that could cause flooding and landslides

The peak intensity is now expected at a strong Cat 3 with winds of 125 mph. The storm will miss a direct hit to the Windward Islands, Puerto Rico, and Hispaniola. Once the system is north of Puerto Rico,

Heavy rains are forecast to start with the storm expected to become a major Category 3 storm over the weekend.

Weather experts on the Leeward Islands, including Puerto Rico, are keeping close watch as Erin lurches toward the Caribbean and is on track to become a major hurricane.

The NHC forecast advisory predicts Erin will continue westward today before bending west‑northwest tonight and through the weekend as a weakness develops in the subtropical ridge. Forecast positions show the storm moving from 16.

Tropical Storm Erin is still moving quickly westward and is forecast to become a hurricane in a few days over the central tropical Atlantic, the NHC said.