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Tropical Storm Erika Forms In Central Atlantic

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – A low pressure system located in the central Atlantic Ocean has strengthened into Tropical Storm Erika, the fifth storm of the 2015 Atlantic season.

The center of the system is located about 1,535 miles east of the Leeward Islands with maximum sustained winds reaching 45 miles per hour with gusts up to 51 mph.

Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 80 mph from the center.

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It's moving toward the west near 20 mph and it's expected to continue to move toward the west-northwest Monday night with a decrease in forward speed expected during the next couple of days.

This forecast track takes the storm toward the Leeward Islands, where tropical storm watches may be required on Tuesday morning.

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