Tropical storm turns into Hurricane Erin as it approaches Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands

Hurricane is predicted pick up steam toward Florida before veering away from the US mainland

A tropical storm sped up to become Hurricane Erin mid-morning on Friday, as it approached Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, bringing heavy rains that could cause flooding and landslides on its way to becoming a major Atlantic hurricane.

The huge storm was swirling across the Caribbean and is ultimately expected to head towards Florida, picking up speed over warm ocean water, before ultimately veering away from the US mainland.