Over the weekend, northern portions of the Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico are expected to receive tropical rain ranging from 2 to 4 inches, with isolated totals up to 6 inches. Flash flooding, landslides and mudslides will be the main concerns over the next several days.

Hurricane Erin has dropped to a Category 3 storm with maximum sustained winds of 123 mph as it passes north of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. As of 8 a.m., Aug. 17, the storm was located about 270 miles north-northwest of San Juan,

Erin is forecast to become a major hurricane and cruise the waters between Bermuda and the United States next week. Even if a direct hit does not occur in the U.S., seas and surf will pose serious threats to coastal areas.