Tropical Storm Erin has formed in the Atlantic and will continue to pick up strength over the next couple of days, according to the National Hurricane Center.

In a 5 a.m. ET advisory on Tuesday, Aug. 12 , the hurricane center said Erin was located about 690 miles west of the Cabo Verde Islands with maximum sustained winds near 45 mph with higher gusts. Forecasters said Erin is moving west, and this motion is expected to continue for the next several days.

"Gradual strengthening is forecast over the next several days, and Erin is expected to become a hurricane in the next couple of days," the hurricane center said in the advisory, noting that there are currently no hazards affecting land, or watches or warnings in effect due to Erin.

Meanwhile, in the Gulf, a surface trough in the nor

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