Weather forecasters now report that they believe Tropical Storm Florence will become a hurricane again as it approaches the East Coast of the United States. Currently traveling over warm water, the storm is expected to increase in speed and become a hurricane by the end of Saturday night according to the National Hurricane Center. The Center reports that Florence will be a dangerous hurricane near the United States’ southeastern coast by late next week as the risk of “direct impacts continues to increase.”
"However, given the uncertainty in track and intensity forecasts at those time ranges," the National Hurricane Center tweeted, "it's too soon to determine the exact timing, location, and magnitude of those impacts."
The Center goes on to warn that areas within the stretch from north Florida to North Carolina “should closely monitor the progress of Florence, ensure they have their hurricane plan in place, and follow any advice given by local officials.”
Saturday evening, Florence hit a maximum of 70 mph (110 kph) winds with the storm about 810 miles (1305 kilometers) southeast of Bermuda, moving westward at a rate of 5 mph (7 kph). According to officials, Florence has already created swells that are affecting Bermuda and are expected to affect portions o the States, resulting in “life-threatening surf and rip currents.”