Erratic Ophelia Weakens Slightly

MIAMI (CBS4) – Tropical Storm Ophelia is having a tough time of it, weakening slightly and moving erratically as it moves east of the Leeward islands.

At 5 p.m. Saturday, the center of the storm was located about 475 miles east of the Leeward Islands. The storm's maximum sustained winds have dropped to 45 mph with some higher gusts. Tropical storm force winds extended outward 260 miles from Ophelia's center, mainly on its north side.

The National Hurricane Center said Ophelia was moving to the west near 12 mph.

Forecasters said Ophelia is expected to slowly weaken over the next 48 hours due to strong upper level winds, and also expect it's forward motion to slow.

Currently there are no watches or warnings for this storm.

You can get complete details on the storm, including up-to date maps and forecasts, at the CBSMiami Tropical Weather Center.