Erin is expected to strengthen rapidly this weekend, potentially intensifying from a tropical storm to a major Category 3 hurricane or stronger within hours. After departing the Caribbean , Erin will set its sights on the East Coast of the United States, with the severity of impacts dependent on its track.

"Erin is moving into a zone of warm water and low wind shear that were already fostering strengthening while east of the Leeward Islands in the Caribbean on Thursday," AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva said.

How long Erin tracks west before turning to the north will determine how close it comes to the East Coast and Bermuda and how widespread the impacts may be next week.

"At this time, impacts are expected to include dangerous surf, beach erosion and coastal floodi

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