Hurricane Humberto set to intensify in central Atlantic

Hurricane Humberto is rapidly strengthening over the central Atlantic and is expected to become a major hurricane later today or on Saturday.

The storm is currently about 450 miles northeast of the northern Leeward Islands and is moving northwest at five miles per hour.

Maximum sustained winds have reached 90 miles per hour with higher gusts. Hurricane-force winds extend up to ten miles from the centre and tropical-storm-force winds reach 105 miles.

Swells from Humberto will begin affecting the northern Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and Bermuda this weekend, according to the National Hurricane Center. These waves are likely to create dangerous surf and rip current conditions. At present there are no coastal watches or warnings in effect.

Post-tropical Gabrielle moving away from Azores

Post-tropical cyclone Gabrielle continues to move away from the Azores and the National Hurricane Center has issued its final advisory. The system is around 245 miles northeast of Lajes Air Base, moving east-northeast at 31 miles per hour. Maximum sustained winds are near 65 miles per hour.

Gabrielle is expected to produce less than 25 millimetres of rain across the Azores and gusty winds are diminishing. Swells generated by the storm will affect the Azores through the weekend and reach the coasts of Portugal, northwestern Spain, and northern Morocco on Saturday. These swells could create life-threatening surf and rip currents. No coastal watches or warnings are in effect.