Hurricane Katia has rapidly intensified to a Category 2 storm as it churns northwestward in the far Atlantic, after twice weakening to a tropical storm and then regaining strength.
The system regained hurricane status again Sunday morning, according to the National Hurricane Center, and 11 a.m. has maximum sustained winds of 100 mph, up from 70 mph at 8 a.m.
Forecasters say Katia could become a major hurricane by Monday, but it is still too soon know if, when, and how Katia may effect the United States.
"At this point any impacts to the U.S. are beyond our five-day forecast, it's too early to say," said Wallace Hogsett, a meteorologist with the NHC.
Katia is currently moving along at 12 mph some 360 miles northeast of the Leeward Islands, according to forecasts. This general motion is expected to continue over the next several days.
There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect.
