Sam intensifies into Category 2 hurricane, forecast to become major hurricane on Saturday

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - Hurricane Sam strengthened into a Category 2 hurricane late Friday night and is forecast to become a major hurricane on Saturday.

As of Friday night, Sam is about 1,215 miles east-southeast of the Northern Leeward Islands as it moves west-northwest at 14 mph.

The latest data shows that the system will move toward the west or west-northwest with a decrease in forward speed expected over the weekend. A turn toward the northwest is forecast on Monday.

“Additional strengthening is forecast, and Sam is expected to become a major hurricane on Saturday,” NHC officials said.

A hurricane is considered a “major hurricane” once it reaches Category 3 intensity.

The current track takes it north of the Virgin Islands in five days. Live 5 Chief Meteorologist Bill Walsh said there are lots of variables after those five days with the track models and whether the storm will stay out to sea. We should have a better idea on where this system is headed by next week.

Long range models are showing that this storm may curve out to sea.

Currently, it’s not a threat to the United States at this time.

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