Tropical Storm Erin formed in the eastern Atlantic Ocean on Monday, forecasters said. The storm was expected to strengthen later in the week and could become the Atlantic's first hurricane of the season.

Tropical Storm Erin formed on Monday in the far eastern Atlantic and is forecast to reach major hurricane strength by this weekend, the National Hurricane Center said.

Tropical Storm Erin is still far out at sea, and experts say it is too soon to forecast its path as it approaches land. Based on some models and the official forecast from the National Hurricane Center, it is likely that Erin will become the first hurricane of the season and potentially the first major hurricane (Category 3 or higher).