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Beryl becomes first hurricane of 2018 Atlantic season

MIAMI — Once a tropical storm, Beryl has strengthened to become the first hurricane of the 2018 tropical season.

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The storm is small, with hurricane force winds extending only 10 miles from the center. Tropical storm force winds extend 35 miles from the eye.

Severe Weather Center 9 is tracking Hurricane Beryl and the areas it will impact, on Eyewitness News Daybreak.

Stay on top of the storm's track by downloading the WSOC-TV weather app.

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Though the storm is expected to remain a hurricane Friday and Saturday, it will weaken as it approaches the Caribbean islands.

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Strong upper-level winds are forecast to tear the storm apart next week, possibly weakening it to just a low-pressure center with heavy rain and some gusty winds.

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The weakened storm may pass close to Puerto Rico early next week.

As of 5 a.m., the storm was located between the Cabo Verde Islands and the Lesser Antilles.

Forecasters expect it to move westward or west-northwestward at 15 to 20 mph over the tropical Atlantic Ocean.

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