Hurricane Sam to bring large swells to Atlantic coast; Tropical Storm Victor continues to strengthen

ORLANDO, Fla. — Tropical Storm Victor formed Wednesday afternoon and is expected to stay far from Florida. Read updates below:

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11 a.m. update

Hurricane Sam

Sam is expected to cause large swells and high surf over a large portion of the western Atlantic shoreline.

The storm is a Category 4 hurricane, with 145 mph winds.

Forecaster said Sam is expected to remain a major hurricane through Saturday, with more significant weakening anticipated later in the weekend.

On the forecast track, the core of Sam will pass to the east of Bermuda early Saturday.

Tropical Storm Victor

Victor is forecast to strengthen over the eastern tropical Atlantic.

The storm’s winds are near 45 mph.

Gradual strengthening is forecast, and Victor could be near hurricane strength on Friday.

Forecasters said a weakening trend is expected to begin over the weekend.

5 a.m. update

Hurricane Sam

Hurricane Sam is a powerful storm, with winds reaching 145 mph.

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Forecasters said Sam will continue to pass well to the northeast of the northern Leeward Islands this morning, and pass to the east of Bermuda early Saturday.

Sam is forecast to remain a major hurricane through Saturday, with more significant weakening anticipated later in the weekend.

The storm is a Category 4 hurricane.

Some fluctuations in intensity are expected during the next couple of days.

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Tropical Storm Victor

Tropical Storm Victor is getting stronger.

The storm could become a hurricane on Friday.

The storm’s winds have increased to 45 mph.

Forecasters said Victor will begin to weaken over the weekend.

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• Kassandra Crimi
• George Waldenberger
• Rusty McCranie
• Brian Shields

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