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By Polly Mosendz
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A tropical storm watch is in effect for islands in the Caribbean as tropical storm Erika moves west. The National Hurricane Center issued a warning for Montserrat, Antigua, Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, Anguilla, St. Maarten and others. A storm watch implies storm conditions are possible within 48 hours.
The Leeward Islands have been told to monitor Erika. Erika is currently moving west at 20 miles per hour and it's center is expected to approach these islands late Wednesday or early Thursday.
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Erika formed on Monday and currently has maximum sustained winds of 45 mph. Both the National Hurricane Center and Accuweather expect the storm to strengthen. Accuweather predicts it is possible it could become a Category 1 hurricane.
"Erika will be moving through an environment with warm waters and generally low wind shear," AccuWeather Meteorologist Robert Richards reported. "This environment will be conducive for further development over the next couple days."
Regardless of whether it strengthens, Erika is expected to bring much needed rain to the Caribbean. According to AccuWeather, the eastern half of Puerto Rico is suffering from a severe drought.
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