 A westward @-@ moving tropical wave developed into Tropical Storm Erika late on August 24 while located about 1 @,@ 035 mi ( 1 @,@ 665 km ) east of the Leeward Islands . Steered briskly westward by southerly flow associated with a subtropical ridge , the storm did not strengthen further despite initially favorable conditions . On August 25 , Erika encountered wind shear and dry mid @-@ level air , causing the storm to weaken slightly and leaving the low @-@ level circulation partially exposed . Contrary to predictions of a northwesterly recurvature , the cyclone persisted on a westerly course and passed through the Leeward Islands just north of Guadeloupe on August 27 . Unfavorable conditions in the Caribbean Sea prevented Erika from strengthening beyond 50 mph ( 85 km / h ) . Late on August 28 , the storm degenerated into a low pressure area just south of the eastern tip of Hispaniola . Shortly thereafter , the remnants trekked across Hispaniola and later Cuba , before reaching the Gulf of Mexico on September 1 . After striking Florida on the following day , the remains of Erika became indistinguishable over Georgia on September 3 . 
