Tropical Storm Sam forms in the Atlantic Basin

Tropical Storm Sam becomes the eighteenth named storm as of the 11 a.m. advisory Thursday. This cyclone is expected to become a hurricane as early as tomorrow.

Sam will eventually become a major hurricane as it continues its trek toward the west-northwest. Long-range forecast models indicate a strong trough of low pressure keeping the storm away from the United States east coast.

However, these storms are generally systems to watch extremely closely, especially this time of year. You can trust the WCNC Charlotte weather team to keep you updated on any changes.