It continues to push toward the northern Leeward Islands, where tropical storm watches are now in effect as of the 8 p.m. update from the National Hurricane Center. Intensification is expected as Erin moves toward warmer ocean temperatures over the next several days.

As all eyes focus on the storm, another heat advisory issued for scorching temperatures heading into the weekend.

This weekend starts off where we left off during the work week. Lots of sun, with isolated showers and storms especially inland.Taking a closer

SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - Tropical Storm Erin is expected to become a hurricane Friday in the central Atlantic, strengthening into a major hurricane over the weekend. Current forecasts turn Erin northwest and then north early next week, keeping the center well offshore.

5 p.m. Update: Erin is now organizing and strengthening over the Central Atlantic. Erin is expected to become at least a Catgory 3 hurricane but missing Puerto Rico to the north and staying well east of Florida. It is expected to reach Jacksonville’s latitude about early Wednesday, resulting in some rough seas and surf at area beaches next week.

Invest 97L, an area of low pressure associated with tropical wave now has a high probability of developing next week.