Tropical Storm Bret is maintaining 40-mph winds and picking up speed, but the latest forecasts calls for Bret to remain a tropical storm as it encounters conditions that may prevent it from reaching hurricane strength, according to the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center.

Residents in the Lesser Antilles were advised to monitor the progress of Bret as it moves toward the Caribbean Sea. Tropical storm watches may be required for some islands later today or tonight.