Tropical Storm Erin has begun strengthening as it streaks west across the Atlantic and is on track to reach hurricane status as soon as Friday, prompting tropical storm watches in the northern Leeward Islands.

Hurricane Erin could 'at least double or triple in size' next week and the track has shifted south, but remains likely to turn away from the East Coast.

Coastal communities nationwide are ramping up efforts to restore and protect their shorelines as climate change causes more intense and destructive storms and leads to sea-level rise that puts tens of millions of people at risk.

The storm disrupted the annual Howell Melon Festival on Saturday with the winds damaging vendor tents. But the festival was scheduled to reopen at 9 a.m. Sunday with some limitations.

Consumers Energy is preparing over 350 company and contractor crews to be ready for action ahead of thunderstorms late this afternoon and tonight that could bring 60-70 mph wind gusts.

Hikers appear on the trail to Angels Landing in Utah’s Zion National Park. When storms isolate over areas of the park with slot canyons or even farther out over the expansive watersheds that funnel water back into them, deadly flash floods can occur.

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VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — Skylar Diggins had 21 points and 11 assists and the Seattle Storm hung on to beat the Atlanta Dream 80-78 to end a six-game skid on Friday night at Rogers Arena in the first WNBA regular-season game outside of the United States.