ORLANDO, Fla. – Tropical Storm Irma has formed over the far eastern Atlantic Ocean but poses no immediate threat to land.
The storm was about 420 miles (676 km) west of the Cabo Verde Islands as of late Wednesday morning.
Maximum sustained winds were 50 mph (85 kmp) with higher gusts. The present movement is west at 13 mph (20 kmp). The general movement is expected to continue for the next couple of days.
No coastal watches or warnings are in effect.
The Hurricane Center said some strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours and Irma could become a hurricane on Friday.
"Models agree that it will move west and eventually, by next week, reach the Lesser Antilles," News 6 meteoroloigst Troy Bridges said.
Some long-range models see the system developing as a hurricane in the Bahamas sometime the near the middle of next week.
NHC will be initiating advisories at 11 AM AST on Tropical Storm Irma, located west of the Cabo Verde Islands.
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) August 30, 2017
Here are the models on 93L! It could be in the Bahamas next week! pic.twitter.com/Rtv0bxKnHP
— Troy Bridges (@TroyNews6) August 30, 2017
The low near the Carolinas is no more! Now we watch the next low that could get the name #Irma soon. Moving West! pic.twitter.com/kq0xade3YZ
— Troy Bridges (@TroyNews6) August 30, 2017
"We will have to watch it closely, but we have plenty of time," Bridges said.
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