KINGSTON, Jamaica - Forecasters have predicted that Tropical storm Nadine could became a hurricane by Thursday with a projected movement towards the Caribbean.

In a news briefing this morning, the US National Hurricane Centre reported that Nadine is organising herself and strengthening. As a result, that increased strength and better formation could prompt an upgrade in hurricane status. In a news statement, the NHC said “additional strengthen is forecast during the next forty-eight hours”. Because of the increased intensity, “Nadine could become a hurricane by Thursday or Thursday night.”

According to forecasters, the storm would not reach land until at least next week. Officials indicate that Nadine is fostering a “gradual turn toward the northwest and a slower forward speed”. 

The NHC said that this shift and speed should remain in place throughout the weekend.

But Nadine is not moving particularly slow. Compared to hurricanes last week exhibiting five mph speeds, Nadine was moving triple that speed, at 17 mph this morning.

Despite that, no coastal watches or warnings are yet in effect.