Sept. 17 (UPI) -- Tropical Storm Gabrielle is strengthening and is expected to reach hurricane status either Saturday night or Sunday, according to the National Hurricane Center.
The storm's center was located about 575 miles north-northeast of the Leeward Islands and about 500 miles south of Bermuda with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph, while moving northwesterly at 10 mph, the NHC said during its 5 p.m. AST advisory.
Tropical storm-force winds extend up to 140 miles outward from the storm's center and mostly to the east.
The NHC expects Gabrielle to continue on its current track through Saturday night, followed by a turn toward north-northeast on Sunday.
Forecasters predict the storm will continue gaining strength and as it passes east of Bermuda on Sunday night or early Monday.
