Miami.– The U.S. National Hurricane Center has upgraded tropical storm Kyle to hurricane status, as it continues on a collision course with the Maritimes.

A hurricane watch has been issued for the southwestern shore of Nova Scotia. Winds speeds are expected to be about 120 kilometers an hour.

"These same wind speeds in similar events in the past have caused significant tree damage that has resulted in downed power lines and damage to structures due to falling branches or tress," a bulletin on the Canadian Hurricane Center's website said.

"All preparations to secure loose objects should be completed by Sunday afternoon." Emergency officials are telling residents in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia to take all necessary precautions in the hours before Kyle's arrival. It's expected to make landfall as soon as Sunday.

Kyle is also supposed to hit coastal Maine, with high waves and strong winds. The hurricane advisory in the state is its first in 17 years.