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MIAMI (AP) — Tropical Storm Igor is growing a bit stronger in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Africa near the Cape Verde Islands.

Forecasters at the U.S. National Hurricane Center say winds for the ninth named storm of the season were at about 45 mph (75 kph) Wednesday afternoon.

Igor is moving toward the west near 6 mph (9 kph). The center of the storm is expected to pass south of the Cape Verde Islands by Thursday.

A tropical storm watch has been issued for the southern Cape Verde Islands.

Some slow strengthening is expected over the next two days.

Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.