Some additional strengthening is likely during the next day or so, and Erin could become a major hurricane again by tonight. Category 3 winds begin at 111 mph. Weakening is likely to begin by Friday, but Erin is forecast to remain a hurricane into the weekend.

Hurricane Erin on Monday bulked back up, but then dropped back down, although still a major Category 3 storm as it moved near the Bahamas with an increasing wind field that prompted new tropical

"The core of Erin is expected to pass to the east of the southeastern and central Bahamas today and tonight," the National Hurricane Center said.

Hurricane Erin weakened to a Category 3 storm with maximum sustained winds of 125 mph as its outer bands pounded the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico with gusty winds and heavy rains early Sunday.

Hurricane Erin is forecast to continue growing in size, with hurricane-force winds extending up to 50 miles from its center.