UPDATE: 5 p.m.

Tropical Storm Miriam continued its westward motion today and is currently located 1,230 miles east-southeast of Hilo.

Miriam is moving at 13 mph and is expected to continue westward through Wednesday. The National Hurricane Center said a turn to the northwest and north-northwest is expected Thursday and Thursday night, followed by a turn to the north on Friday.

Miriam currently has winds near 60 mph. Little change in strength is expected during the next day or so. Some gradual strengthening is possible Wednesday night and Thursday before weakening on Friday.

11:30 a.m.

Although it lost some strength this morning, weather officials say Tropical Storm Miriam could still reach hurricane strength on Wednesday.

Located about 1,295 miles east-south of Hilo with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph and heading west at 13 mph, Miriam is expected to continue on its current track through Wednesday, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Little change in strength is expected during the next day or so, according to weather officials, although some gradual strengthening is possible Wednesday night and Thursday before weakening begins on Friday.

Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 80 miles from Miriam’s center.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE

Tropical Storm Miriam continues on a westward track this morning with no change in strength.

Located about 1,355 miles east-southeast of Hilo and headed west at 14 mph, Miriam was packing maximum sustained winds of 65 mph at 5 a.m., according to the National Hurricane Center.

Forecasters expect Miriam to continue moving west through Wednesday, turning northwest Thursday, and likely becoming a hurricane Wednesday.

Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 70 miles from Miriam’s center.