MIAMI — Tropical Storm Earl has strengthened in the central Atlantic Ocean, near the Leeward Islands, according to the National Hurricane Center.
The 5 p.m. advisory shows Earl is moving toward the west-northwest near 17 mph packing maximum sustained winds near 50 mph with higher gusts.
Some slow strengthening is possible during the next few days.
TRACKING THE TROPICS: Hurricane Center | Hurricane Guide
On the forecast track, the center of Earl is expected to pass near or north of the northern Leeward Islands on Saturday, and north of the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico Saturday night and Sunday.
Earl is expected to produce total rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches, with isolated totals of 6 inches, across the Leeward Islands, the U.S. and the British Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico through this weekend.
Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 105 miles (165 km) mainly to the north and east of the center.
According to the National Hurricane Center, gusty winds, especially in squalls, are possible across the northern Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico through the weekend.
