Hurricane Paloma Continues to Strengthen

Hurricane Paloma is moving northward at about 8 mph. The storm is heading toward the Cayman Islands and Cuba. Forecasters expect the hurricane to become a Category 2 later on Friday.

The National Hurricane Center issued a hurricane warning for Grand Cayman Island. A warning means that hurricane winds are expected within the warning area within 24 hours.

Hurricane Paloma is moving northward at about 8 mph. The storm is 85 miles south of Grand Cayman Island.

The Cuba government issued a hurricane watch for the provinces of Sancti Spiritus, Ciego de Avila, Camaguey, Las Tunas and Granma. A hurricane watch means hurricane conditions are possible within the watch area. A watch is generally 36 hours.

"Interests in Cuba and Jamaica should closely monitor the progress of Paloma," the National Hurricane Center said in a statement.

Hurricane Paloma is expected to strengthen into a Category 2 later on Friday. Forecasters say the storm could possibly become a dangerous Category 3 by Saturday.

Forecasters say that computer tracking of the storm is expected to turn northeast by Saturday. The projected path does not threaten Florida or the United States mainland.

Paloma has sustained winds of 80 mph.