By JON WILSON, Consulting Editor, TB Reporter

Erika remains worth watching, but has not picked up strength.

Tropical Storm Erika continues to move toward the Leeward Islands, but has not strengthened today. Nonetheless, Floridians, including those of us in Tampa Bay area, should pay attention to it. As of 5 p.m. today (Aug. 26), the National Hurricane Center predicts Erika is likely to strike the state’s southeast coast sometime Monday (Aug. 31.)

The NHC expects Erika to continue with winds of 45 mph — modest tropical storm strength — during the next 2-3 days. The storms is expected to strengthen between the Bahamas and Florida’s coastline, coming into the state as a minimal hurricane.

It is not yet certain how the storm will affect the Tampa Bay region. But counties have began setting their emergency management plans in motion in an abundance of caution. Stay tuned, and for official information, visit www.nhc.noaa.gov/. You can also go to your county web sites and see what emergency preparations are taking place.

Florida | Weather | Hurricanes | TB Reporter

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