Bertha … First Hurricane of the Atlantic Season

Tropical storm Bertha has now become Hurricane Bertha, the first one of the Atlantic season. It is still too early according to reports as to whether it will make land.

As of 5 a.m. EDT Monday, Hurricane Bertha was about 845 miles east of the northern Leeward Islands. Forecasters at the National Hurricane Center say it is too early to say if or where the storm will hit land. Maximum sustained winds have increased to speeds of 75 mph with higher gusts. Some strengthening is expected during the next couple of days.

The hurricane center said it is still too early to determine whether Bertha will eventually affect any land areas.

NOAA

UPDATE I: Bertha Becomes Category 3 Hurricane, Still Far From Land

UPDATE II: Bermuda Issues Tropical Storm Warning as Hurricane Bertha Nears