However, the storm's mid-level circulation persisted for another three days, emerging into the East Pacific and moving northwestward over Baja California, before dissipating on August 20.

A weak surface area of low pressure detached from a frontal system on August 8, while located 1,150 miles (1,850 km) to the east of Bermuda.

As the system rapidly continued westward, much of the convection remained near the center of the upper-level low, preventing development of a closed surface circulation.

[1] A closed low-level circulation nearly developed on August 14 to the east of Key Largo, Florida, but it weakened due to the deep convection remaining to the north over the mid-level center.

A high pressure system persisted over the south-central United States, forcing the storm to move just south of due west at 25 mph (40 km/h).

Erika turned to the west-southwest on August 16, and attained hurricane status just prior to making landfall near Boca San Rafael, Tamaulipas, in northeastern Mexico, or about 40 miles (64 km) south of the United States–Mexico border.

The storm rapidly weakened over the mountainous Sierra Madre Oriental, and Erika's low-level circulation center dissipated early on August 17.

[1] The mid-level circulation maintained integrity as it crossed Mexico, and led to the formation of a tropical disturbance after entering the Gulf of California on August 18.

The center also recommended a Hurricane Watch spanning from Matamoros to Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas,[6] and from Soto la Marina to the international border.

[1] Just one month after Hurricane Claudette caused millions in damage in south Texas, the fast movement of Erika caught citizens by surprise as it was forecast to make landfall near Brownsville.

[9] The precursor disturbance dropped heavy precipitation while moving across Florida, including in Indian River County,[10] and also produced 6–8 ft (1.8–2.4 m) waves with moderate wind gusts.

[5] In the Nuevo León city of Montemorelos, two people died when they were swept away after they drove their truck across a partially flooded bridge.