Tropical Storm Maria strengthens in the Atlantic

Tropical Storm Maria has strengthened slightly as it moves up the Atlantic, where it’s forecast to pass near Bermuda. The storm’s maximum sustained winds Wednesday are near 60 mph (95 kph) with some strengthening forecast during the next two days. Maria is centered about 615 miles (990 kilometers) south-southwest of Bermuda, where a tropical storm warning is in effect, and is moving north-northwest near 10 mph (17 kph). The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami says a turn to the north-northeast is expected Thursday and Maria will pass west of Bermuda on Thursday morning.