Tropical Storm Gonzalo gaining strength, expected to become hurricane by Thursday

The National Hurricane Center announced that Tropical Storm Gonzalo has formed in the tropical Atlantic Ocean on Wednesday morning and has gained strength. Forecasters say Gonzalo will likely become a hurricane by Thursday.

At 11 p.m., the center of Tropical Storm Gonzalo was located near latitude 9.9 North, longitude 45.9 West. Gonzalo is moving toward the west near 12 mph (19 km/h). A general westward motion at a faster forward speed is expected during the next few days. On the forecast track, the center of Gonzalo would approach the Windward Islands late Friday and Saturday.

Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 60 mph (95 km/h) with higher gusts. Further strengthening is forecast during the next couple of days, and Gonzalo is expected to become a hurricane on Thursday. Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 35 miles (55 km) from the center.

TRACK THE TROPICS: Visit the FOX 35 Orlando Hurricane Center for the latest in the tropics, including daily updates, live radar, and severe weather alerts.

The other feature we're watching is located over the Gulf of Mexico and moving away from Florida. This tropical wave stands about a 50% chance of development over the next 5 days. Tracking takes this closer to Texas over the weekend.

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