Tropical Storm Humberto is gaining strength over the central Atlantic and is forecast to become a hurricane within the next day, forecasters said Thursday.
At 11 a.m. AST, the National Hurricane Center said Humberto was located near latitude 21.4 North, longitude 56.8 West, about 465 miles (750 kilometers) east-northeast of the northern Leeward Islands. The storm was moving northwest at 8 mph (13 km/h) with maximum sustained winds near 50 mph (85 km/h).
Meteorologists expect Humberto to continue strengthening as it moves through warm Atlantic waters, with hurricane status possible by Friday.
The system currently poses no immediate threat to land, and no coastal watches or warnings have been issued. The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service said it will continue to monitor Humberto’s progress in coordination with the National Hurricane Center.
The storm’s central pressure was measured at 1004 mb (29.65 inches).
Officials urged residents to stay informed as the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season continues.