Sandy becomes hurricane on way to Jamaica

Sandy has strengthened into a hurricane as its center nears Jamaica, with top sustained winds of near 80 mph (130 kph).

The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami said Wednesday the storm was a Category 1 hurricane and could gain some more strength before it reaches Jamaica.

While the storm is currently no threat to the Tampa Bay area, parts of S.E. Florida are under a storm watch. U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami said Wednesday the storm was a Category 1 hurricane and could gain some more strength before it reaches Jamaica.

Hurricane-force winds extend by up to 25 miles (35 km) from the storm's center, which was about 65 miles (100 km) south of Kingston, Jamaica. It was moving north-northeast at 13 mph (20 kph).