Tropical Storm Dorian strengthened quickly Wednesday, after first designated as "Tropical Depression Four" just before 5 a.m. EDT over the far eastern Atlantic Ocean, southwest of the Cape Verde Islands.

Dorian will continue tracking west-northwest over the next several days on the south side of the Bermuda-Azores high, and will remain over open waters through much of the upcoming weekend.  

It may approach the longitude of the Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, Sunday night into Monday.  While it appears more likely Dorian's center will track north of those locations, keep in mind average National Hurricane Center forecast track errors () in the four-to-five day period range from 180-235 statute miles.  Some fringe effects are possible in these areas even if the center tracks to the north. 

Additionally, there are some potential hostile factors for further strengthening.  

First, dry, stable air is both immediately ahead of and blasting behind Dorian, according to an analysis by UW-CIMSS and NOAA/HRD.  

Then, west to southwest wind shear, particularly strong over the eastern Caribbean Sea and Lesser Antilles, but also extending to the east, may remain in place to shear Dorian.

Average National Hurricane Center forecast intensity errors () in the four-to-five day range are roughly 15 knots.  In this case, this could be the difference between Dorian shearing out to a tropical depression or weak tropical storm, or becoming a hurricane.

Interests in the Leeward Islands, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Hispanola, the Turks and Caicos and southeast Bahamas should monitor the progress of this system.  

It is far too soon to either rule out or speculate about a U.S. threat.

Projected Path

The latest forecast path and wind speeds from the National Hurricane Center.

Current Information

So, where exactly is the cyclone's center located now? If you're plotting the storm along with us, click on the "Current Information" map below to get the latitude/longitude coordinates, distance away from the nearest land location, maximum sustained winds and central pressure (measured in millibars).  

Satellite

Click the magnifying glass to enlarge the image at left. Infrared satellite imagery is a sampling of the temperature of cloud tops. Brighter orange and red shadings signify colder cloud tops, indicative of healthy convection. If this is concentrated near the center of circulation, this signifies a healthy or intensifying tropical cyclone.