HOLT, Fla., Aug. 30, 2019—Data from NOAA Hurricane Hunter indicate Dorian has strengthened to a category 4 hurricane with 130 mph winds.

Additional strengthening is forecast as the storm continues its trek toward the United States, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Located about 575 miles east of West Palm Beach, Dorian is moving toward the west-northwest near 10 mph.

A slower west-northwest to west motion should begin tonight and continue into early next week, according to the NHC.

Life-threatening storm surge and devastating hurricane-force winds are likely along portions of the Florida east coast by early next week.

However, since Dorian is forecast to slow down and turn northward near the coast, it’s too soon to determine when or where the highest surge and winds will occur, according to the center.

As of yet, no watches or warnings have been issued for Florida ahead of Dorian’s arrival because the storm’s arrival is more than 48 hours out.

Because outdoor storm preparations become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, watches are issued 48 hours before possible winds are expected.

Warnings mean conditions are expected and warnings are issued 36 hours before tropical-storm-force winds arrive.