The Atlantic basin includes the northern Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of America, as the Gulf of Mexico is now known in the U.S. per an order from President Trump. NOAA and the National Hurricane Center are now using Gulf of America on its maps and in its advisories.

South Florida beachgoers are being warned of life-threatening rip currents that are expected along the coastline next week, as part of the impacts from Hurricane Erin.

Even if Erin remains offshore, forecasters warn that dangerous rip currents and high surf are expected along Florida’s coast as the storm approaches the western Atlantic. Florida's east coast will experience rough surf arriving as early as Monday. There is a high risk of dangerous rip currents with wave heights reaching between 6 and 10 feet.

5 p.m. Update: Erin is now organizing and strengthening over the Central Atlantic. Erin is expected to become at least a Catgory 3 hurricane but missing Puerto Rico to the north and staying well east of Florida. It is expected to reach Jacksonville’s latitude about early Wednesday, resulting in some rough seas and surf at area beaches next week.

Tropical Storm Erin is expected to become a strong hurricane by the end of the weekend. How strong will it be and will it impact the U.S.?