Hurricane Danielle reaches Category 4 strength over the Atlantic with 135 mph winds

Hurricane Danielle becomes Category 4 storm

MIAMI — Hurricane Danielle is getting better organized far out over the Atlantic as the Category 4 storm heads in Bermuda’s direction and threatens to bring dangerous rip currents to the U.S. East Coast.

Danielle’s maximum sustained winds Friday were near 135 mph (215 kph). The hurricane is about 385 miles (615 kilometers) southeast of Bermuda and is forecast to pass well east of the island Saturday night.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami says large waves and dangerous surf conditions are expected in Bermuda. A tropical storm watch has been issued.

Also in the Atlantic, Tropical Storm Earl had maximum sustained winds near 50 mph (85 kph) and could become a hurricane by Sunday.

In the Pacific, Tropical Storm Frank is rapidly losing strength off Mexico’s coast.