Hurricane Danielle swirls far out over Atlantic Ocean; strengthening expected in coming days

Hurricane Danielle swirls far out over Atlantic

MIAMI — Hurricane Danielle has formed far from land in the Atlantic with maximum sustained winds of 85 mph (140 kph), and it’s expected to strengthen in the next couple of days.

Danielle is the second Atlantic hurricane of the year. On Monday night, it was about 1,205 miles (1,940 kilometers) east of the Lesser Antilles islands.

Forecasters say the storm could become a major hurricane by late Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Frank has weakened slightly in the Pacific. Its maximum sustained winds were 50 mph (85 kph), but it could gain strength again in the next day or so.

A tropical storm watch is in effect for Mexico’s coast from Acapulco to Punta San Telmo.