Hurricane Chris Gaining Strength on East Coast The National Hurricane Center has named it a Category 2 storm. Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 105 mph. It will likely continue to strengthen through Wednesday morning. The system is expected to bring swells on the coasts of North Carolina and the mid-Atlantic states. National Hurricane Center, via CNN The storm will continue to move to the northeast and is expected to remain well offshore of the U.S. The National Hurricane Center suggested people in Atlantic Canada monitor the storm's progress.