NEW YORK (PIX11) – Tropical Storm Erin is set to strengthen into a hurricane on Friday, according to the National Hurricane Center.

The system could bring heavy rainfall to the Leeward Islands, U.S. and British Virgin Islands and parts of Puerto Rico. The NHS warned of possible flooding and mudslides through this weekend once the storm makes landfall.

Tropical storm watches will go into effect on the Leeward Islands on Saturday. Additional watches could be issued as the storm inches closer to land, according to the NHS.

Forecasters also warned of possible dangerous surf and rip currents expected along the east coast of the U.S., the Bahamas and Bermuda.

Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11

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