Tropical Storm Erin could become Atlantic season's first hurricane later this week, forecasters say

MIAMI (AP) — Tropical Storm Erin formed Monday in the eastern tropical Atlantic Ocean and could become the first hurricane of the 2025 Atlantic season later this week, forecasters say.

In the Pacific Ocean, Hurricane Henriette strengthened well away from Hawaii. But the Miami-based National Hurricane Center said no coastal watches or warnings are in effect for either storm.

By Monday afternoon, Erin was about 430 miles (690 kilometres) west-northwest of the Cabo Verde Islands and had maximum sustained winds of 45 mph (72 kph), according to the hurricane centre. It said Erin was moving westward at 20 mph (32 kph) and is expected to continue on that general path for several days.

Gradual strengthening was forecast over the next several days and forecasters said Erin could reach hurricane intensity by the latter part of the week. The hurricane center said it remains too early to determine possible impacts, if any, from Erin as it moves closer to the northern Leeward Islands.

Elsewhere, Hurricane Henriette was a Category 1 storm in the central Pacific on Monday and was expected to retain hurricane status for another day or two before weakening.

Henriette had maximum sustained winds of 85 mph (140 kph), the NHC said. The storm was located about 595 miles (945 kilometres) northwest of Honolulu.

Also in the Pacific, remnants of one-time Tropical Storm Ivo degenerated on Monday about 615 miles (990 kilometres) west of the southern tip of Mexico's Baja California peninsula. Forecasters said the remains of Ivo pose no threat to land.

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