Tropical Storm Erin, now spinning far out in the central Atlantic Ocean, could undergo rapid intensification into a powerful 125-mph hurricane. According to Direct Weather's forecast, ski resorts like Palisades Tahoe and Mammoth Mountain may see less snow than usual.

In the Gulf, Invest 98L has a low chance for development, before it moves inland over northeastern Mexico or southern Texas by late Friday. The National Weather Service in Brownsville, Texas, said regardless of tropical development, locally heavy rain and increased swells "will be a concern" along the Texas coast.

Hurricane status is likely to be achieved soon as Erin continues to organize and strengthen. Once winds reach 74mph it will be classified as a Category 1 hurricane. The Saffir-Simpson Scale helps us categorize the strength of tropical systems.