Tropical Storm Kyle Stronger Hurricane Watch Issued For Eastern Maine Coast

2 pm Update: Tropical Storm Kyle's forward motion has now increased to 20 mph, and a further increase is expected the rest of today. Kyle is moving north from a position about 550 miles south of Nantucket. Maximum winds remain at 70 mph.

Original post:
Tropical Storm Kyle strengthened last night to maximum winds of 70 mph. A Hurricane Watch has been issued for the eastern Maine coast from Stonington to Eastport. A Tropical Storm watch has been issued from Stonington southward to Cape Elizabeth, including the Portland area. Hurricane Local Statements have been issued by National Weather Service Offices in Caribou, Portland, and Boston. A Tropical Storm Watch has also been issued for portions of the Canadian Maritimes.

Kyle has been zigzagging between northwest and north; its current track on average is toward the north northwest at 15 mph. A gradual turn to a more northerly direction is expected, which will bring the storm to a landfall near the Maine/New Brunswick border late Sunday. Some additional strengthening is likely, with weakening again before landfall.