HOLT, Fla., Aug. 14, 2021—Tropical Depression Seven strengthened into Tropical Storm Grace this morning.

The National Hurricane Center’s 8 a.m. update found Grace moving quickly west toward the Leeward Islands at 22 mph.

Grace is expected to slow during the next few days as the storm moves over the islands tonight, over the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico tomorrow and over the Dominican Republic Monday, following a similar track as Fred, according to the NHC.

Some strengthening is forecast during the next couple of days; however, weakening is expected early next week as Grace interacts with the Greater Antilles.

As the system moves into the western Atlantic, strong wind shear is forecast to prevent further strengthening through the end of the five-day forecast period.

A small tropical storm, winds only extend outward up to 25 miles from the center.