Tropical Storm Erin formed over the eastern Atlantic Ocean west of the Cabo Verde Islands on Monday morning. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Erin was located at latitude 17.4°N and longitude 28.0°W which put the center about 280 miles (455 km) west-northwest of the Cabo Verde Islands. Erin was moving toward the west at 20 m.p.h. (32 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1004 mb.
A low pressure system over the eastern Atlantic Ocean west of the Cabo Verde Islands strengthened on Monday morning and the U.S. National Hurricane Center designated the system as Tropical Storm Erin.
The circulation around Tropical Storm Erin exhibited more organization on Monday morning. More thunderstorms formed near the center of Erin’s circulation. Thunderstorms were also occurring in bands revolving around the center of Tropical Storm Erin. Storms near the center of Erin started to generate upper level divergence that was pumping mass away from the tropical storm.
The strongest winds were occurring in the northern part of Tropical Storm Erin. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 35 miles (55 km) in the northern half of Erin’s circulation. The winds in the southern side of Tropical Storm Erin were blowing at less than tropical storm force.
Tropical Storm Erin will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Erin will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 26°C. It will move under the southern part of an upper level ridge over the eastern Atlantic Ocean. The upper level ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Erin’s circulation. The winds in the lower levels of the atmosphere will also blow from the east. So, there will be little vertical wind shear. Erin will move through a region of drier air later today. The drier air will inhibit intensification in the short term. Tropical Storm Erin could intensify slowly during the next 24 hours. Erin will move over warmer water later this week. Tropical Storm Erin is likely to strengthen to a hurricane later this week.
Tropical Storm Erin will move around the southern side of a high pressure system over the eastern Atlantic Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Erin toward the west during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Erin will move away from the Cabo Verde Islands.
