Danielle weakens to Cat. 2 hurricane, Earl slightly weakens

ORLANDO -- 

Danielle weakens to a Category 2 hurricane.  It’s expected to pass east of Bermuda later Saturday.  Tropical Storm Earl has strengthened slightly.

Hurricane Danielle: Latest advisory

At 2 p.m., the center of Hurricane Danielle was located near latitude 29.6 north, longitude 60.3 west.

Danielle is moving toward the north-northeast near 9 mph.  This general motion is expected to continue on Sunday, followed by a turn toward the northeast on Monday.
 
Maximum sustained winds remain near 110 mph with higher gusts.  Danielle is a Category 2 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson hurricane wind scale.  Little change in strength is forecast during the next 12 to 24 hours, and gradual weakening is expected to commence on Sunday.
 
Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 70 miles from the center, and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 205 miles.
 
Estimated minimum central pressure is 950 mb or 28.05 inches.

Watches and warnings

A tropical storm watch is in effect for Bermuda.

Hazards affecting land

Wind: Tropical-storm-force winds, mainly in squalls, could begin to affect Bermuda later Saturday.

Surf: Large waves and dangerous surf conditions are expected in Bermuda over the next few days. Swells from Danielle will begin to arrive on the East Coast of the United States later Saturday. These swells are likely to cause dangerous rip currents through the weekend.

Next advisory

• Next advisory: 5 p.m. Saturday

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Tropical Storm Earl: Latest advisory

At 11 a.m., the center of Tropical Storm Earl was located near latitude 16.0 north, longitude 51.8 West.

Earl is moving toward the west near 18 mph. A turn to the west-northwest with a slight decrease in forward speed is expected over the next couple of days. 

On the forecast track, the center of Earl could approach the northern Leeward Islands on Sunday night.
 
Maximum sustained winds remain near 60 mph with higher gusts.  Although no change in strength is likely Saturday, Earl could still become a hurricane on Sunday.
 
Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 85 miles to the north of the center.
 
Estimated minimum central pressure is 999 mb or 29.50 inches.

Watches and warnings

A tropical storm watch is in effect for Saint Martin and Saint Barthelemy, Antigua, Barbuda, Montserrat, St. Kitts, Nevis and Anguilla, St. Maarten, Saba and St. Eustatius.

Hazards affecting land

Wind: Tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area by Sunday night.

Next advisory

• Next intermediate advisory: 2 p.m. Saturday