Tropical Storm Tammy expected to strengthen as it approaches Leeward Islands
MIAMI -- The National Hurricane said Thursday morning that Tropical Storm Tammy is expected to strengthen as it approaches the Leeward Islands.
It is not expected to pose a threat to Florida.
CBS News Miami chief meteorologist Ivan Cabrera said the storm will make a sharp turn to the north, taking it on a path away from the state. He said the storm will bring winds between 50-65 miles per hour to Barbados and Martinique.
Late Thursday morning, Tammy had sustained winds of 60 mph as it moved to the west-northwest at 15 mph.
A Hurricane Watch and Tropical Storm Warning have been issued for Guadeloupe.
A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Barbados, Dominica, Martinique, Antigua, Barbuda, Montserrat, St. Kitts, Nevis, Anguilla, St. Barthelemy, Saba, St. Eustatius, St. Maarten and St. Martin.
On the forecast track, the center of Tammy will move near or over the Leeward Islands on Friday and Saturday. Tammy is forecast to be at or near hurricane intensity when it moves near the Leeward Islands.
Tammy is the 20th named storm of the season, and six of those were hurricanes. Only Hurricane Idalia posed a threat to Florida, however.
So far this season in the Atlantic, there have been 19 named storms, six of which were hurricanes. Of those, three were major hurricanes, meaning Category 3 or above.
Hurricane season officially ends on Nov. 30.