After intensifying into a hurricane, Tomas was nearing the northern Windward Islands on Saturday, taking aim at St. Lucia and St. Vincent, forecasters said.

Earlier, as a tropical storm, Tomas damaged homes and downed power lines on Barbados, according to the Miami, Florida-based National Hurricane Center.

As of 11 a.m., Tomas was located about 40 miles (65 kilometers) south-southeast of St. Lucia and about 35 miles (55 kilometers) east of St. Vincent, the Hurricane Center said. Its maximum sustained winds were at 75 mph (120 kph), making Tomas a Category 1 hurricane, although it is expected to further intensify.

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