Tropical Storm Harvey continues to pull away from the Lesser Antilles as it enters the eastern Caribbean Sea.

As of 11 p.m., Maximum sustained winds remain at 40 mph, with higher gusts. Harvey is moving to the west at 18 mph. It is located about 280 miles south of St. Croix. An even faster motion is expected during the next couple of days.

The storm is expected to slowly strengthen over the next 48 hours, and continue to move westward into the eastern and central Caribbean Sea. There, it will encounter increased shear this weekend which will limit further development.

It is expected to intensify into a strong tropical storm as it nears the Central American coastline early next week.

It is expected to intensify into a strong tropical storm as it nears the Central American coastline early next week.

Harvey is the eighth named storm in the Atlantic this season. It will not impact Florida or the United States. However, interests in Central America and southern Mexico should pay close attention to future forecasts.

Elsewhere, we are watching a tropical wave that is northeast of the Lesser Antilles. This complex has a medium chance of development and could become a tropical depression.

The system is expected to move northwestward and could impact the southern Bahamas early next week. If it becomes a tropical storm, its name would be Irma.

We also watching a system in the central Atlantic. This system has a medium chance of development over the next five days. It will likely remain out to sea.

We are entering the peak time of hurricane season when storms are most likely to occur. The statistical peak of the Atlantic season is Sept. 10.

Central Florida residents and visitors are always encouraged to be prepared for threatening weather throughout hurricane season by having hurricane safety kits, evacuation plans and the News 13+ app downloaded.