Miami, Fla. (970 WFLA)-At 5:00 AM EDT,the center of Hurricane Helene was located near latitude 16.0 North, longitude 33.6 West, about 620 miles west of the southernmost Cabo Verde Islands, about 1570 miles south-southwest of the Azores.
Helene is moving toward the west-northwest near 14 mph, and this motion is expected to continue with a decrease in forward speed through tonight. A turn toward the northwest and then north-northwest is forecast on Wednesday and Thursday.
Maximum sustained winds are near 110 mph with higher gusts. Some strengthening is possible during the next 12 hours, but a gradual weakening trend is expected after that time.
Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 35 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 115 miles.
The estimated minimum central pressure is 968 mb (28.59 inches).
There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect.
Graphic credit: NHC Miami