ORLANDO, Fla. — Hurricane Maria became the seventh hurricane of the 2017 Atlantic Hurricane season Sunday afternoon and is expected to strengthen as it heads toward some of the same Caribbean islands impacted from Hurricane Irma.
Maria has maximum sustained winds at 75 mph. Currently located about 144 miles northeast of Barbados, Maria is set to continue moving northwest at about 15 mph.
"On the current track, this storm could hit Puerto Rico as a major hurricane by mid-week," said WFTV meteorologist Eboni Deon.
Read: Officials say at least 3 people have died in the U.S. Virgin Islands from Irma
Hurricane watches have been issued for St. Lucia, Martinique and Guadeloupe, Dominica, Barbados, St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
"It’s far too soon to forecast any U.S. mainland impacts," said WFTV meteorologist George Waldenberger.
Read: The Latest: Hurricane Irma blacks out most of Puerto Rico
Maria is expected to strengthen as it approaches the northern Lesser Antilles Monday. The storm will potentially impact Barbuda and the Virgin Islands, which suffered recently with Irma.
Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands have had hurricane watches issued.
Further strengthening to a Category 3 storm is expected as the storm nears Puerto Rico by Wednesday.
The forecast track shows Maria could approach the Dominican Republic Thursday.
Beyond Thursday, Maria’s track is uncertain.
"While Maria’s trajectory may appear similar to Irma’s, realize that Maria is a different storm and will carve out a unique track independent of Irma’s track," said Waldenberger. "Regardless, here in Central Florida, we’ll just calmly and patiently keep an eye on Maria and the weather is quiet as we wait. We have a week to watch and see where Maria ends up."
We will continue to monitor Maria's track and bring you the latest on our newscasts, wftv.com and on our free WFTV weather app.