Tropical Storm Erin has begun to strengthen and is expected to reach major hurricane intensity this weekend as it tracks just north of the Caribbean islands, where it could bring rain, gusty winds and high surf.

Tropical Storm Erin formed in the eastern Atlantic Ocean on Monday, forecasters said. The storm could strengthen to become the Atlantic's first hurricane of the season.

Tropical Storm Erin is tracking west over the open Atlantic Ocean on Tuesday and forecasters expect it to become the first hurricane of the Atlantic season this week.