The storm is forecast to strengthen into a major Category 3 hurricane and turn north, but impacts on the U.S. east coast are likely.

Tropical Storm Erin continues to move westward in the Atlantic Ocean and is expected to become a hurricane by Friday, Aug. 15, according to the National Hurricane Center. Forecasters say the storm will likely make a northerly turn on Sunday, Aug. 17 or Monday, Aug. 18, which would keep off of the North Carolina coast.

Tropical Storm Erin is expected to strengthen into a hurricane later this week in the Atlantic Ocean, according to the National Hurricane Center.