Tropical Storm Erin is expected to begin strengthening and is likely to become a hurricane in the next 48 hours.

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.

T ropical Storm Erin is tracking westward through the open Atlantic waters and should become increasingly organized in the coming days, potentially reaching major hurricane intensity this weekend as it tracks just north of the Caribbean islands, where it could bring rain and gusty winds.