The National Hurricane Center is predicting that Tropical Storm Katia could become a hurricane in the next day or two and eventually grow to a “near major” storm in 48 hours.
The five-day forecast cone for Tropical Storm Katia brings the storm just east of Puerto Rico, which was slammed by Hurricane Irene recently.
Whether Florida will be placed within the storm’s forecast cone remains to be seen.
Katia is out in the Atlantic without threat to any land at this time. The tropical storm is traveling west-northwest at about 17 mph and is expected to pick up speed.
The storm’s maximum sustained winds have increased to nearly 40 mph with higher gusts. Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 35 miles.
There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect.
