Erika is very disorganized and only considered a tropical rainstorm as ofearly Friday morning. There are several factors working against the system thatwill keep it from regaining strength and organization.The system is tracking northwestward from south of Puerto Rico today. On thistrack, the system will continue to battle with dry air. There is also moderateto strong wind shear in the path that will keep Erika from getting her acttogether again. In addition, Erika will interact with the islands it is passingnear. The rugged terrain of the Caribbean islands often interferes with theorganization of tropical disturbances.
Even though the system is poorly organized, heavy rain could result indangerous flash flooding in Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and the DominicanRepublic.
By Monday, conditions could become more favorable for re-development again asthe system moves away from the islands and wind shear may weaken. The remainsof Erika are expected to be tracking toward warmer water.
Story by AccuWeather.com Meteorologist Meghan Evans.
