5 p.m. Update: Erin is now organizing and strengthening over the Central Atlantic. Erin is expected to become at least a Catgory 3 hurricane but missing Puerto Rico to the north and staying well east of Florida. It is expected to reach Jacksonville’s latitude about early Wednesday, resulting in some rough seas and surf at area beaches next week.

Tropical Storm Erin is expected to begin strengthening and is likely to become a hurricane in the next 48 hours. See storm tracker.

Erin is expected to develop into a hurricane later this week and could affect Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and the northern Leeward Islands.