Heavy rains were forecast to start late Friday in Antigua and Barbuda, the U.S. and British Virgin Islands and southern and eastern Puerto Rico.

A southward shift in Erin’s track has led to an increase in risk for the northern Caribbean Islands, though a direct hit in the United States is unlikely.

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