Tropical Storm Chris reaches hurricane strength in Atlantic

Tropical Storm Chris has reached hurricane strength while moving away from the U.S. coast in the Atlantic. (National Weather Service)

Weather forecasters say Tropical Storm Chris has reached hurricane strength while moving away from the U.S. coast in the Atlantic.

At 5 p.m. EDT Tuesday, the National Weather Service in Miami said the storm was about 205 miles east-southeast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, with maximum sustained winds of 85 mph. It was headed northeast at 10 mph.

No coastal watches or warnings were in effect.

Weather officials said in a release that the storm could produce heavy surf and create life-threatening rip currents. Local officials were advised to monitor the storm's movement.

It was expected to gain strength Tuesday and Wednesday before weakening Thursday.