SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Tropical Storm Lee churned by means of the open waters of the Atlantic on Wednesday and was anticipated to quickly turn into a hurricane because it approached the Caribbean.
The storm was situated about 1,265 miles (2,040 kilometers) east-southeast of the northern Leeward Islands.
It had most sustained winds of 65 mph (100 kph) and was transferring west-northwest at 14 mph (22 kph), in accordance with the Nationwide Hurricane Middle.
It was not forecast to make landfall, however it’s projected to move simply northeast of the British Virgin Islands, which continues to be recovering from hurricanes Maria and Irma that hit in September 2017.
Lee is anticipated to turn into a hurricane later Wednesday and grow to be a serious hurricane in a few days.
“Lee continues to strengthen at a fast tempo,” the middle mentioned, noting the storm is transferring over very heat waters and a moist atmosphere.
Lee is the twelfth named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to Nov. 30.
The Nationwide Ocean and Atmospheric Administration warned in August that this year’s hurricane season would be above normal.
Between 14 to 21 named storms are forecast. Of these, six to 11 may turn into hurricanes, with two to 5 of them probably changing into main hurricanes.
Within the Pacific, Jova strengthened right into a hurricane far off the southwest coast of Mexico and posed no menace to land. It had 85 mph (140 kph) winds. It was situated some 640 miles (1,035 kilometers) south of the southern tip of Baja California and transferring west-northwest at 9 mph (15 kph).