Hurricane Danielle weakens to Category 2 strength over the Atlantic with about 110 mph winds

Hurricane Danielle weakens to Category 2 storm

MIAMI — Hurricane Danielle has weakened, though the now-Category 2 storm far out over the Atlantic is still expected to bring dangerous rip currents to the U.S. East Coast.

Danielle’s maximum sustained winds Saturday were near 110 mph (175 kph). It is about 340 miles (550 kilometers) southeast of Bermuda and is forecast to pass east of the island Saturday.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami says the storm is expected to remain about the same strength for the next day but gradually begin weakening Sunday. It said large waves and dangerous surf conditions are expected in Bermuda, where a tropical storm watch has been issued.

Further out in the Atlantic, Tropical Storm Earl has strengthened, with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph (95 kph) and could become a hurricane by Saturday night. A tropical storm watch was in effect for several islands in the eastern Caribbean, including St. Maarten, Antigua and Montserrat.

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