Tropical Storm Leslie Expected To Become Hurricane In Near Future

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Tropical Storm Leslie strengthened Tuesday and is expected to become a hurricane soon.

At 11:00 p.m., Leslie was centered about 510 miles east-southeast of Bermuda.

Leslie is moving toward the southwest near 3 mph, and this motion is expected to continue for most of the day Wednesday.

A turn to the north is expected to begin late Wednesday and should continue through early Friday.

Maximum sustained winds remain near 70 mph with higher gusts.

Leslie is forecast to become a hurricane on Wednesday.

Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 230 miles from the center.

HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND

SURF:  Large swells generated by Leslie will continue to affect portions of the southeastern coast of the United States, Bermuda, and the Bahamas during the next few days.

Swells are expected to increase near the coasts of New England and Atlantic Canada by the end of the week.

Please consult products from your local weather office as these conditions could cause life-threatening surf and rip currents.