Helene Strengthens Into Hurricane, Expected To Become More Severe

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Tropical Storm Helene strengthened into a Hurricane Sunday afternoon.

At 5 p.m. Helene was located about 145 miles to the southwest of the southernmost Cabo Verde Islands.

Helene is moving toward the west near 13 mph, and a turn toward the west-northwest is expected on Monday, with a continued west-northwestward motion through Tuesday.

On the forecast track, the center of Helene will continue to move away from the Cabo Verde Islands.

Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 75 mph with higher gusts.

Additional strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours.

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 15 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 80 miles.

There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect.