Katia Intensifies To Category 4 Storm

MIAMI (CBS4) – Hurricane Katia continued to grow in intensity Monday, becoming a major Category 3 storm by late afternoon, and a Category 4 storm before midnight. Under the current track, it may be a danger only to shipping, but forecasters are watching it closely, especially those in Bermuda.

At 11 p.m. Monday, Katia was 450 miles South of Bermuda, with sustained winds of 135 m.p.h. The storm was headed NW at 10 m.p.h, with hurricane force winds stretching 60 miles from the center. Tropical storm force winds were measured 205 miles from the center.

Currently there are no watches or warnings for this storm.

The National Hurricane Center reports that Katia poses no threat to land in the next 48 hours but those on the eastern seaboard and Bermuda should keep an eye on it. Large swells generated by Katia are expected to affect parts of the East Coast, Bermuda, the Greater Antilles and the east facing beaches of the Bahamas over the next few days. Forecasters warn Bermuda could start to feel the effects of the storm in the form of rip currents and life threatening surf this week.

You can get complete details on the storm, including up-to date maps and forecasts, at the CBSMiami Tropical Weather Center.

You can also check on preps for tropical weather with checklists, shutter advice, and even preparation videos at CBSMiami Hurricane Preps