Officials in the northern Caribbean are warning of heavy rains and dangerous swells as Tropical Storm Erin approaches the region.

Tropical Storm Erin is expected to strengthen to a hurricane and could bring rough surf and rip currents to the Jersey Shore next week.

A short-lived tropical depression could form near the Texas coastline on Friday, according to the National Hurricane Center. Invest 98-L is producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms at about 75 miles off the coast of the southern Texas coastline.