The center said the storm was located about 470 miles east of Grand Turk Island in the Turks and Caicos Islands and was moving at speeds approaching 10 mph at 6 p.m. EDT.

Forecasters said the storm is expected to pass off the coast of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands Friday night and Saturday and to arrive northeast of the southeastern Bahamas by Sunday.

The storm's maximum sustained winds were near 50 mph with higher gusts. Forecasters said Hanna could reach hurricane strength by Sunday.