It continues to push toward the northern Leeward Islands, where tropical storm watches are now in effect as of the 8 p.m. update from the National Hurricane Center. Intensification is expected as Erin moves toward warmer ocean temperatures over the next several days.

Hurricane Erin, now a Category 3 storm, is expected to strengthen and become a Category 4 hurricane, with maximum sustained winds of 150-mph.

While it's looking very likely that Hurricane Erin will avoid landfall in Florida, the Sunshine State will likely still feel some effects - mainly in rougher coastal waters.