Tropical Storm Erin Named

Tropical depression becomes tropical storm Erin west-southwest of southern Cape Verde Islands.   As of 8:00am AST (7:00 am EST) the center of Tropical Storm Erin was located near latitude 14.5 north and longitude 25.6 west.  Erin is moving  west-northwest at about 16 mph and will continue this direction while decreasing forward speed over the next couple days. Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 40 mph with higher gusts.  Some additional strengthening is forecast during the next couple days.  Tropical storm force winds extend from the center of Erin out 35 miles.  Estimated minimum central pressure is 1006 MB or 29.71 inches. Tropical storm conditions are expected over southern Cape Verde Islands during the next few hours.  Stronger winds are likely in areas of higher terrain on the islands.  Expected rainfall accumulations of 2 to 4 inches are expected with Tropical Storm Erin over the southern portion of the Cape Verde Islands