night could reach hurricane force winds by next week.

While the storm poses a possible threat to the Bahamas and southeastern United States within the next few days, she is unlikely to touch Bermuda, a Weather Service spokesman said last night.

Chantal became a tropical storm late Wednesday when maximum sustained winds topped 40 mph. At 6 p.m. yesterday evening they had reached 45 mph and are expected to increase over the weekend.

Last night the storm was moving slowly north west toward South Carolina. If Chantal continues at its current speed and direction, she could pose a threat to that region and the Bahamas.