Hurricane Chris forms; not expected to make U.S. landfall

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Tropical Storm Chris gained hurricane status Tuesday afternoon. The hurricane has reached winds of 85 mph, making it a Category 1 storm and the second named hurricane for the Atlantic season.

The storm has started moving northeast -- away from the U.S. -- after staying stationary for a couple of days.

The National Hurricane Center says Hurricane Chris is expected to move quicker towards the northeast by Tuesday evening, and should further accelerate in the same direction on Wednesday and Thursday.

"This will create high surf for New England," said FOX 13's meteorologist Dave Osterberg, "but it will not have a direct impact on the lower 48."

LINK: Track Chris on MyFoxHurricane.com

Chris is expected to create large swells along the east coast, which can result in life-threatening surf and rip currents.