 Erika continued to the west @-@ northwest , and in the early hours of September 4 , an eye @-@ like feature appeared to have developed in the center of the deep convection . The feature was not an eye , though , as visible satellite imagery revealed a center partially exposed from the convection . Despite unfavorable wind shear , Erika strengthened further and intensified into a hurricane late on September 4 , while located 530 miles ( 850 km ) east @-@ southeast of Guadeloupe . Deep convection re @-@ developed near the center , and the hurricane slowly strengthened as it continued west @-@ northwestward . Hurricane Erika decelerated its forward motion as it approached the Lesser Antilles , and passed within 85 miles ( 135 km ) of the islands as a Category 1 hurricane . An approaching trough weakened the subtropical ridge , resulting in Erika turning to the north and later to the northeast . On September 7 , Erika began to quickly intensify , and the hurricane reached its peak strength of 125 mph ( 205 km / h ) on September 8 , while located about 350 miles ( 565 km ) north of the Lesser Antilles . Erika maintained peak intensity for about 24 hours before weakening over cooler waters . 
