Hurricane Florence continues to creep closer to the United States – where and when it might strike a mystery.

Still almost 1,800 miles from the East Coast, the Category 1 National Hurricane Center.

"It is far too soon to speculate what, if any, Florence impacts may have on the East Coast next week," the hurricane center said Thursday afternoon.

But in the meantime, waves from the distant storm.

"Regardless of Florence's eventual track, broad swells emanating from the hurricane will reach Bermuda beginning on Friday and portions of the U.S. East Coast this weekend, resulting in life-threatening surfing and rip currents," the hurricane center said.

Florence was east of the Bahamas on Thursday afternoon and moving northwest at 10 mph.

Most storms in this region tend to curve away from the United States. But an unusually strong ridge of high pressure weather.us meteorologist Ryan Maue said.

"If you live anywhere from coastal Georgia to coastal Massachusetts, start planning now," Mike Bettes Weather Channel meteorologist said.

Winds peaked at 130 mph Wednesday before weakening at 80 mph on Thursday. They are expected to weaken further down the line – potentially down to tropical storm status – before regaining strength at 120 mph, at Category 3 hurricane by early next week.

more: 'It was just awful' Gordon threatens flooding after storm

more: 'Weather models have flipped the switch': Hurricane season coming to life in the Atlantic

After Florence, at least two other storms are forecast to form in the Atlantic. Either could threaten North America by mid-month. The next two named storms would be Helene and Isaac.

Helene could enter the Caribbean as a hurricane next week, Maue said.

Read or Share this story: https://usat.ly/2wRnDkI