(This story was updated to add new information.)

Erin is now a hurricane and is forecast to keep strengthening, likely into a major Category 3 storm with sustained winds of at least 111 mph, this weekend. But an expected swing to the north-northwest in the coming hours and days should keep the strengthening storm away from the North Carolina coast, although impacts from Erin are still expected to be felt in the Cape Fear region.

After a flurry of tornado warnings, thunderstorms and downpours Thursday, Aug. 14, the Wilmington area could see a bit drier weather in the coming days. The stormy weather Thursday included a short-lived tornado that started as a water spout and moved ashore near Holden Beach in Brunswick County around 5:44 p.m., according to the National Weather Service's Wilmin

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