Leslie strengthens into 6th hurricane of season

MIAMI (AP) — Forecasters say Leslie has strengthened into the sixth hurricane of the Atlantic season but still remains far from land.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami said Wednesday that Leslie was 465 miles (750 kilometers) south-southeast of Bermuda. It had top sustained winds of 75 mph (120 kph) and was nearly stationary, moving north at just 2 mph (3 kph).

Current models show Leslie could speed up and pass over or near Bermuda in the coming days. Swells from Leslie have been affecting the U.S. East Coast, as well as Bermuda, the northern Leeward Islands, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The swells could cause life-threatening surf and rip currents.

Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Michael was gaining strength farther out to sea. It was over open waters and did not pose a threat to land.