Hurricane Danielle weakens to Category 3 strength over the Atlantic with about 120 mph winds

Hurricane Danielle weakens to Category 3 storm

MIAMI — Hurricane Danielle has weakened a bit, and the now-Category 3 storm far out over the Atlantic is expected to keep losing strength. It is still expected to bring dangerous rip currents to the U.S. East Coast.

Danielle’s maximum sustained winds Saturday were near 120 mph (195 kph). The hurricane is about 345 miles (560 kilometers) southeast of Bermuda and is forecast to pass well east of the island Saturday.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami says the storm is expected to gradually weaken Saturday and Sunday. It said large waves and dangerous surf conditions are expected in Bermuda, where 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.