Hurricane Erin has been downgraded to a Category 3 hurricane. Hurricane Erin was downgraded to a Category 3 hurricane early Sunday as a tropical storm warning was issued for the Turks and Caicos Islands and winds and heavy rains whipped the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

Implications for the Leeward Islands: Residents and visitors in St. Thomas, St. John, St. Croix, Puerto Rico and the northern Leeward Islands should monitor this system throughout the week. Even if the wave remains weak, increased moisture could bring showers, gusty winds and higher seas toward the end of the week.

The peak intensity is now expected at a strong Cat 3 with winds of 125 mph. The storm will miss a direct hit to the Windward Islands, Puerto Rico, and Hispaniola. Once the system is north of Puerto Rico,