Tropical Storm Erin is nearly at hurricane strength Thursday night, its western path putting islands in the far eastern Caribbean under tropical storm watches, according to the National Hurricane

Erin is on the verge of becoming the Atlantic season’s first hurricane. The storm had winds of 70 mph early Friday, according to the National Hurricane Center. Category 1 hurricane wind speeds, which start at 74 mph, are predicted to soon develop.

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