ORLANDO, Fla. – Tropical Storm Gert is getting a little stronger in the Atlantic Ocean, with swells expected to begin affecting portions of the U.S. East Coast later Monday.
The National Hurricane Center said Gert was centered about 460 miles (735 kilometers) west-southwest of Bermuda on Monday and had maximum sustained winds of 60 mph (95 kph). It is moving toward the north-northwest at 10 mph (16 kph).
A gradual turn toward the northeast with an increase in forward speed is forecast for the next 48 hours.
Gert is expected to become a hurricane by Tuesday night.
Swells generated by Gert will begin to affect portions of the coast of North Carolina and Virginia later in the day.
The Hurricane Center said these swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.
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Central Florida, meanwhile, was struck by Hurricane Charley 13 years ago.
"Thirteen years ago, on this day, we were dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Charley here in Central Florida," News 6 weather anchor Danny Treanor said on Sunday.
Parts of Central Florida sustained significant damage as Charley swept through.