It continues to push toward the northern Leeward Islands, where tropical storm watches are now in effect as of the 8 p.m. update from the National Hurricane Center. Intensification is expected as Erin moves toward warmer ocean temperatures over the next several days.

While it's looking very likely that Hurricane Erin will avoid landfall in Florida, the Sunshine State will likely still feel some effects - mainly in rougher coastal waters.

Experts warn the storm could develop into a category 4 hurricane before the weekend is out as they try to accurately predict where the system will make landfall