Humberto Holds as Major Category 4 Hurricane Over Atlantic

Hurricane Humberto is maintaining its strength as a major Category 4 storm over the central Atlantic, with maximum sustained winds of 145 mph (230 km/h), according to the latest update from the US National Hurricane Center.

At 9am on Saturday, the eye of the hurricane was located about 375 miles (605 km) northeast of the northern Leeward Islands. Humberto is moving west at 6 mph (9 km/h) but is expected to begin turning northwest early on Monday and then north-northwest by Monday night.

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 25 miles (35 km) from the centre, with tropical-storm-force winds reaching up to 105 miles (165 km). The storm’s minimum central pressure is estimated at 938 mb (27.70 in).

There are currently no coastal watches or warnings in effect, but authorities in Bermuda have been advised to closely monitor Humberto’s progress.

Swells generated by the hurricane are forecast to reach the northern Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Bermuda over the weekend and into early next week. These swells are expected to produce dangerous surf and rip current conditions.

Humberto is eventually expected to track toward Iceland later next week.