Cat 2 Katia Gains Strength, To Impact U.S. Shores
MIAMI (CBS4) – Hurricane Katia is expected to increase the risk of rip currents and potential dangerous surf along the eastern seaboard and the Bahamas over the next few days.
At 5 p.m. the center of Katia was about 365 miles north-northeast of the Northern Leeward Islands. The National Hurricane Center said Katia, a Category 2 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale, had maximum sustained winds of 105 mph as it moved to the northwest at 12 mph. Hurricane force winds extended 45 miles from the storm's center; tropical storm force winds extend 175 miles from the center.
Katia is forecast to continue its west-northwest trek over the next couple of days with a gradual decrease in speed. It could be a major hurricane by Monday.
On Saturday, Katia was downgraded to a tropical storm after it was assaulted by high winds in the upper atmosphere Saturday.
Currently there are no watches or warnings for this storm.
The National Hurricane Center reports that Katia poses no threat to land in the next 48 hours but those on the eastern seaboard and Bermuda should keep an eye on it. Large swells generated by Katia are expected to affect parts of the East Coast, Bermuda, the Greater Antilles and the east facing beaches of the Bahamas over the next few days. The large swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.
You can get complete details on the storm, including up-to date maps and forecasts, at the CBSMiami Tropical Weather Center.
You can also check on preps for tropical weather with checklists, shutter advice, and even preparation videos at CBSMiami Hurricane Preps
