Tropical Storm Florence was predicted to strengthen Friday as it moved through the open Atlantic on a path expected to take it over Bermuda, where officials planned to issue a tropical storm watch or warning within the next 24 hours, forecasters said.

The storm's forecast path could put it over Bermuda on Sunday or Monday and it could strengthen into a hurricane by then, although intensity predictions typically vex meteorologists. Early Friday, it was still relatively weak with maximum sustained winds near 50 mph (80 kph).

Forecasters at the National Hurricane Center said Florence still posed no danger to the U.S. But because it is large in size, with tropical storm force winds extending up to 405 miles (650 kilometers) from its center, it could create high surf and rip currents along parts of the East Coast.

"If the storm follows the forecast track it will recurve well off the U.S. East Coast and there will be no direct impact," senior hurricane specialist Jack Beven said, adding that Florence was expected to start veering away from the U.S. coast in about two days.