Tropical Storm Beryl formed in the Atlantic Ocean on Friday, the National Hurricane Center said.
The storm, which as of Friday was moving west at roughly 18 mph, has developed maximum winds of 40 mph.
It is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane with minimum wind speeds of 74 mph over the course of the weekend.
TRACKING THE TROPICS: Hurricane Center | Hurricane Guide
It could reach the Windward Islands in the West Indies by late Sunday, where it is forecast to bring risks of high winds, heavy rainfall and storm surge flooding. Hurricane and tropical storm watches are expected in the area by Saturday.
The National Hurricane Center said Beryl is one of the earliest storms to ever form over the central or eastern tropical Atlantic Ocean.
Favorable atmospheric conditions and unusually warm ocean waters are expected to contribute to the storm's growth, potentially into a major hurricane.
