Hurricane Humberto Continues Strengthening On Northwest Trek

MIAMI (CBSMiami) - Hurricane Humberto's eye has become better defined as it moves toward Bermuda.

At 2 p.m., the center of the Category 2 was about 490 miles west-southwest of Bermuda. It was moving to the east-northeast at 9 mph with maximum sustained winds of 100 mph.

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 60 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 170 miles.

Additional strengthening is forecast during the next 36 hours, and Humberto is expected to become a major hurricane by tonight or Wednesday morning.

Humberto is forecast to continue in an east-northeast direction with a gradual increase in forward speed is expected through early Thursday. On the forecast track, the center of Humberto is expected to pass just to the north of Bermuda Wednesday night.

SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT:

A Hurricane Watch is in effect for...
* Bermuda

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for...
* Bermuda

Tropical Storm conditions are likely over Bermuda by Wednesday afternoon and continuing into Thursday morning. Hurricane conditions are possible over Bermuda Wednesday night into Thursday morning.

Humberto may bring periods of heavy rain to Bermuda beginning Tuesday, with rainfall accumulations of 2 to 4 inches and isolated maximum amounts near 6 inches expected.

Large swells generated by Humberto will increase along the coast of Bermuda by Wednesday. Dangerous breaking waves, especially along south-facing beaches, will be possible Wednesday night into Thursday, and could cause coastal flooding.

Swells will continue to affect the northwestern Bahamas and the southeastern coast of the United States from east-central Florida to North Carolina during the next couple of days. These swells could cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.