Tropical Depression 5 became Tropical Storm Erin early Thursday after forming over the far east Atlantic Ocean late Wednesday, the National Hurricane Center in Miami said.
As of 8 a.m., the storm had maximum sustained winds of 40 mph as it moved west-northwest at 16 mph about 65 miles west-southwest of Brava in the Cape Verde Islands, according to the NHC.
Hurricane Season: Special Coverage
A tropical storm warning was issued for the southern Cape Verde Islands of Maio, Santiago, Fogo and Brava.
Erin is expected to strengthen during the next couple days and will decrease in speed, the NHC said.
Download NBC 6 South Florida Weather Apps
The storms will move away from the Cape Verde Islands later Thursday and is expected to keep moving to the west-northwest.
More Weather Content:
Photo Credit: NOAA