MIAMI (AP) — Tropical Storm Ernesto is speeding into the eastern Caribbean sea.

Ernesto's maximum sustained winds Friday are near 50 mph (80 kph) with some strengthening forecast.

The storm is centered about 90 miles (145 kilometers) west of St. Lucia. Ernesto is moving west near 21 mph (34 kph).

Ernesto's current forecast track shows it possibly becoming a hurricane next week as it heads across the Caribbean.

This NOAA satellite image taken Friday, Aug. 03, 2012, at 1:45 a.m. EDT shows Tropical Storm Ernesto just 90 miles east of St. Lucia. This system continues moving west at 22 mph at tropical storm strength with winds up to 50 mph. Tropical storm warnings remain in effect for Barbados, St. Vincent, The Grenadines, Dominica, St. Lucia, Martinique, and Guadeloupe. Expect heavy rains and strong winds in these areas. To the north, a strong tropical wave brings widespread showers and thunderstorms to the Bahamas and Cuba, which moves westward into southern Florida. This system kicks up scattered showers and thunderstorms as it slowly moves westward. (AP Photo/Weather Underground)