Hurricane Sam to cause strong rip currents, Tropical Storm Victor to become hurricane

Two named storms are currently swirling in the Atlantic: Hurricane Sam and Tropical Storm Victor. 

Hurricane Sam has maintained its powerful Category 4 status as it moves northeast of the northern Leeward Islands. 

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"A turn toward the north-northwest with an additional increase in forward speed is expected tonight. A turn toward the north is anticipated on Friday, and a northeastward motion is forecast to begin on Saturday," the National Hurricane Center (NHC) said. "On the forecast track, the core of Sam will pass to the east of Bermuda early Saturday."

While Sam is not expected to impact land, forecasters do warn that east coast beaches could see strong rip currents this weekend caused by the system. 

Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Victor is moving toward the west-northwest and additional strengthening is forecast. Victor could become a hurricane on Friday, the NHC said, but a weakening trend is expected to begin over the weekend.

Victor is not expected to be any threat to the U.S.

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The next name on the storm list is ‘Wanda,’ finishing off the list of 2021 Atlantic tropical system names. At this point, forecasters will need to use the alternate list of names. In the past, the Greek alphabet was used but this was changed this year.

There have been 20 named storms during the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season. NOAA previously predicted 15 to 21 named storms are possible this season, with seven to ten becoming hurricanes and three to five of those becoming major hurricanes, meaning Category 3 or higher.

Watch FOX 35 News for the latest updates throughout hurricane season.