SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Heavy rains that could lead to flooding and landslides are expected in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands as Tropical Storm Erin approached the region Friday.

The storm was located several hundred miles east of the northern Leeward Islands and has maximum sustained winds of 70 mph (113 kph), according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami. It was moving northwest at 17 mph (28 kph).

Tropical storm watches are in effect for parts of the Leeward Islands, and tropical storm conditions are also forecast for the U.S. and British Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico over the weekend.

“While there is still uncertainty in what impacts might occur in portions of the Bahamas, the east coast of the United States, and Bermuda next week, the risk of dangerous surf and

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