Erin could become a major hurricane, a designation that occurs when a storm's wind speeds reach 111 mph or higher, classified as a Category 3 hurricane. Should it strengthen as meteorologists expect, Erin could become not only the first hurricane of the season but also its first major hurricane.

Tropical Storm Erin formed on Monday in the far eastern Atlantic and is forecast to reach major hurricane strength by this weekend, the National Hurricane Center said.

Tropical Storm Erin has formed in the Atlantic Ocean and is forecast to strengthen into the first hurricane of the Atlantic season by Wednesday.