If this storm becomes more organized before it moves over land, it would become Tropical Storm Fernand. A potential tropical storm in the Gulf of Mexico could form and make landfall in Texas or Mexico before Erin even threatens land.

The center of a tropical disturbance that flared up in the Gulf began to move across land on Friday, bringing heavy rainfall to parts of northeastern Mexico and South Texas.

As the Gulf disturbance nears Texas, tropical moisture will surge Friday and Saturday in the Houston metro area, leading to increasing storm chances.

Louisiana and other northern portions of the Gulf Coast aren't expected to see any effects from the system or any other tropical activity for the next few days.

Erin was a strong tropical storm early Friday morning, Aug. 15, but is expected to become a hurricane later Aug. 15 and a major hurricane by Sunday morning, Aug. 17. A major hurricane is one that's a Category 3 storm or higher, with maximum sustained winds of at least 111 mph.

Invest 98L, the system that emerged in the Gulf earlier this week, is strengthening as it moves northward and will likely be significant rian to Texas.

Though Erin is not currently forecast to make landfall in the U.S., the East Coast could still get heavy rainfall associated with the storm, along with the northern Leeward Islands, the British Virgin Islands and southern and eastern Puerto Rico. Isolated flash flooding, landslides and mudslides are possible.

Austin's summer doldrums continue with heat, sunshine and little rain. However, we are watching tropical activity that will move inland this weekend.

The odds of a short-lived tropical depression or storm forming in the southwestern Gulf are lessening, but pockets of heavy rain could still trigger flash flooding.