NASA handout photo shows Tropical Storm Arthur off the east coast of Florida
Tropical Storm Arthur is pictured off the east coast of Florida in this July 1, 2014 NASA handout satellite photo. Arthur was expected to reach hurricane strength by Thursday, dousing some July 4 holiday plans on the U.S. East Coast as officials closed beaches and tourist sites and delayed fireworks shows in anticipation of heavy rain and fierce winds. Picture taken July 1, 2014. REUTERS/NASA/Handout via Reute

Environment Canada has warned about Storm Arthur which is likely to disrupt Atlantic Canada during the weekend.

According to the Canadian Hurricane Centre, the storm will probably intensify to a hurricane on Wednesday, June 2. Thereafter, it is expected to move up to the U.S. East Coast. A trough of low pressure is forecasted to take the storm towards Atlantic Canada from the Great Lakes. The trough is going to determine how intense Arthur is going to be and where it will move to. The effect could be direct rain or wind or well-offshore rain along with rain. Hurricane watches were issued for some coastal parts of North Carolina. On the other hand, tropical storm watches were issued in some parts of South Carolina and Florida. "The nature of the trough approaching from the Great Lakes will make all the difference in Arthur's intensity, track and structure," says the latest statement of the Canadian Hurricane Centre which is presently monitoring the weather situations closely.

Meanwhile, the United States' Independence Day celebrations of the Fourth of July have become uncertain in some parts of the country. The hurricane may hit the coasts of North Carolina and south-eastern Virginia. The possible threat, which is likely to take place on Thursday, has forced officials to move thousands of visitors to a safer place. North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory said that the most important goal would be to make sure that no life was lost in the upcoming storm. He encouraged people to pay attention to the weather warnings of potential flooding and rough surf. "Don't put your stupid hat on," he said.

Arthur, the first named storm this season, is getting stronger off the coastal Florida. It is reportedly moving at around 70 miles per hour. If it continues to go stronger, the storm will be termed as a hurricane. Any storm with the speed of 74 mph or higher is considered to be a hurricane. According to forecasters, Arthur may well turn out to be a Category 1 hurricane.

Contact the writer: s.mukhopadhyay@ibtimes.com.au