Tropical Storm Erin has formed in the eastern Atlantic and is predicted to become a Category 3 hurricane by Aug. 16.

Tropical Storm Erin is positioned just west of the Cabo Verde Islands and is expected to track generally westwards for much of the week. Forecasts indicate gradual strengthening, with Erin potentially reaching hurricane status later this week while remaining far from land in the central Atlantic.

Tropical Storm Erin formed in the eastern Atlantic Ocean on Monday, forecasters said. The storm was expected to strengthen later in the week and could become the Atlantic's first hurricane of the season.