Tropical Storm Marco's path shifts eastward, could become hurricane Saturday night

Tropical storm Marco strengthened overnight Friday and could impact Texas next week as a hurricane, according to the National Hurricane Center. 

Marco, the earliest “M” storm to form in recorded history, is about 50 miles west of the western tip of Cuba as of 4 p.m. It’s traveling north-northwest at 13 mph. 

As of 4 p.m., Marco’s maximum sustained winds reached 65 mph with some higher gusts, 

It is expected to continue moving toward the north-northwest across the central Gulf on Sunday and is forecast to reach the northern Gulf coast on Monday. It is likely to strengthen into a hurricane Saturday night into Sunday, according to the NHC. 

MARCO UPDATE: Tropical Storm Marco strengthening quickly, to become hurricane today

Marco’s projected path shifted slightly eastward Saturday afternoon, putting the Louisiana coast in the middle of the path. According to the NHC forecast, Marco is expected to slow down after landfall and turn toward the northwest and west-northwest Monday night and Tuesday, moving into east Texas.

Marco is forecast to strengthen over the northwestern Caribbean Sea through Saturday. It is likely to be at or near hurricane strength when it reaches the northern Gulf coast Monday.

A hurricane watch is in effect for:

• Intracoastal City Louisiana to the Mississippi/Alabama border
• Lake Pontchartrain, Lake Maurepas, and Metropolitan New Orleans

A tropical storm warning is in effect for:

A tropical storm watch is in effect for:

A Storm Surge Watch is in effect for:

• Sabine Pass to the Alabama/Florida border
• Lake Pontchartrain, Lake Maurepas, Lake Borgne, and Mobile Bay

Tropical storm Laura 

While Tropical Storm Marco strengthened, Tropical Storm Laura’s path shifted significantly west Saturday morning. 

Tropical Storm Laura is located 50 miles southeast of San Juan, Puerto Rico as of Saturday morning with sustained winds of 40 mph. It’s traveling west at 21 mph, according to the NHC 7 a.m. advisory. 

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