hurricane fred

Hurricane Fred quickly strengthens to a Category 2 storm over the Atlantic Ocean.

Hurricane Fred has quickly strengthened to a Category 2 storm in the Atlantic and forecasters say it could become a major hurricane later in the day.

Fred’s maximum sustained winds have increased to near 105 mph (165 kph) early Wednesday. The National Hurricane Center in Miami says Fred could become a Category 3 storm later Wednesday but is expected to start weakening Thursday.

Fred is centered about 500 miles (805 kilometers) west-southwest of the southernmost Cape Verde Islands and moving west-northwest near 13 mph (20 kph).

Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Linda is drifting slowly far out over the Pacific with maximum sustained winds near 65 mph (100 kph).