PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) —  Tropical Storm Chris has strengthened into a hurricane, while moving away from the United States.

The storm is currently located about 205 miles east southeast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. has started moving to the northeast — and away from the coast.

The National Hurricane Center said in its 5 p.m. update on Tuesday that Chris’ maximum sustained winds were now 85 mph, and is moving northeast at 10 mph.

Swells from Chris are expected to affect portions of the North Carolina coast, posing the possibility of  life-threatening rip currents. Chris’ offshore trek has already prompted beaches up and down the Outer Banks to raise red flags.

WAVY.com: Hurricane Guide | Beach Safety

The hurricane center said Chris is expected to pick up speed during the day Tuesday, before further accelerating to the northeast on Wednesday.

Get the latest forecast updates through WAVY’s Super Doppler 10 online.