Tropial Storm Katina Could Become a Hurricane Within a Few Days

Aug 30, 2011, 11:27 by R.E. Christian

Tropical Storm Katia was gaining strength over the Atlantic Ocean Tuesday and could become a hurricane within a day or two, U.S. forecasters said.

The National Hurricane Center said in its 11 a.m. EDT advisory the storm, moving west-northwest at about 18 mph with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph and higher gusts, was about 630 miles west-southwest of the southernmost Cape Verde Islands.

No coastal watches or warnings were in effect.

Katia was expected to pick up forward speed during the next two days and reach hurricane intensity by late Wednesday or early Thursday, the center said.

Source: UPI