Tropical Storm Erin was expected to strengthen into a hurricane on Friday as it approached the northeast Caribbean, prompting forecasters to warn of possible flooding and landslides.

The storm is expected to remain over open waters, although tropical storm watches were issued for Anguilla and Barbuda, St. Martin and St. Barts, Saba and St. Eustatius and St. Maarten.

Heavy rains were forecast to start late Friday in Antigua and Barbuda, the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, and southern and eastern Puerto Rico. Up to 4 inches (10 centimetres) are expected, with isolated totals of up to 6 inches (15 centimetres), according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami.

Forecasters also warned of dangerous swells.

The storm was located about 570 miles (920 kilometres) east of the Northern Leeward Islands. It had maximum sustained winds of 70 mph (110 km/h) and was moving west-northwest at 17 mph (28 km/h).

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