Tropical Storm Erika Updates and Projected Path Map
Tropical Storm Erika formed on Tuesday, September 1, 2009 in the Atlantic Ocean. Erika first reached the Tropical Storm status when it was 390 miles (630 km) east of the northernmost islands of the Leeward archipelago making Erika the fifth named tropical storm of the 2009 Atlantic hurricane season. When Tropical Storm Erika formed it had sustained winds of 50 mph (80 km/h).
According to latest updates from the National Hurricane Center, Tropical Storm Erica slightly weakened on Wednesday, September 3, 2009 to sustained speed of winds reaching 45 mph. At that time Erika was located 160 miles east-southeast of the Leeward Islands. The Projected Path of Erica suggests that it will continue to move west and north at approximately 7 miles per hour.
Following countries had the tropical storm warning issued and are advised to keep watch on the hurricane: Antigua, Barbuda, Montserrat, St. Kitts, Nevis, Anguilla, St. Martin, Saba and St. Eustatius. It is possible Tropical Storm Erika will strengthen on Thursday to reach sustained speed winds of 60 – 65 miles per hour. This would still not classify it as a hurricane. Come weekend, Erika is expected to weaken again.
Even though tropical storm warning was not issued for Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and Cuba, the projected path map suggest that these countries could be affected by Erika.