TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Tropical Storm Erin is expected to become a hurricane in a few days, according to the National Hurricane Center.

As of 11 a.m., Erin is located about 820 miles west of the Cabo Verde Islands and is moving toward the west at 23 mph.

NHC forecasters said the speedy westward motion will continue for the next several days, followed by a decrease in speed and a gradual turn toward the west-northwest.

Gradual strengthening is expected, and Erin is forecast to become a hurricane in the next couple of days. It is likely to reach major hurricane strength this weekend.

Maximum sustained winds are near 45 mph.

"Although it is still too early to know exactly what impacts Erin might bring to the northern Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico, the risk has increa

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