84-Degree Ocean Waters Will Turn Sam Into A Major Hurricane On Saturday

Hurricane Sam has not triggered any storm warnings or watches, but forecasters are keeping a close eye on the storm, with it predicted to reach major hurricane status on Saturday.

NOAA/Esri/HERE/Garmin/Earthstar Geographics

Hurricane Sam is poised to become a major hurricane Saturday — just one day after it reached hurricane status. The storm will rapidly intensify as it passes over warm 84-degree water far out in the Atlantic Ocean, according to the National Hurricane Center. Wind conditions in the area are also favorable for storm growth.

No coastal watches or warnings are currently in effect for Sam, which is more than 1,300 miles east-southeast of the northern Leeward Islands that rim the Caribbean Sea.

Forecasters are keeping a close eye on the storm, which is currently moving west at 14 mph. It’s too soon to predict where or when Sam might affect land.