Earl Could Strengthen into a Major Hurricane by Late Thursday

Hurricane Earl continues to strengthen Wednesday and could become a major hurricane by week’s end, according to the National Hurricane Center, as it nears Bermuda before pushing out to sea.

Just the second hurricane of this Atlantic season, Earl has sustained winds of 85 mph, with stronger gusts.

Located about 400 miles south of Bermuda, the hurricane is moving north at 10 mph. It is expected to continue strengthening into a major, Category 3 storm as it passes to the southeast of Bermuda Thursday night.

A hurricane watch is now in effect for Bermuda and a tropical storm warning remains in place for the island as well. A tropical storm warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected within 36 hours, while a hurricane watch means that hurricane conditions are possible.