Hurricane Danielle becomes Category 4 storm

MIAMI (AP) – Hurricane Danielle is getting better organized far out over the Atlantic as the Category 4 storm heads in Bermuda’s direction and threatens to  bring dangerous rip currents to the U.S. East Coast.

Danielle’s maximum sustained winds Friday were near 135 mph (215 kph). The hurricane is about 440 miles (705 kilometers) southeast of Bermuda and is  forecast to pass well east of the island Saturday night.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami says large waves and dangerous surf conditions are expected in Bermuda.

Also in the Atlantic, Tropical Storm Earl was moving west with maximum sustained winds near 45 mph (75 kph). Forecasters say Earl could become a  hurricane by Sunday.

In the Pacific, Frank lost strength off Mexico’s coast and weakened to a tropical storm.
   
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