Rough surf batters Bermuda as Hurricane Nigel charges through open waters

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Forecasters in Bermuda warned Wednesday of dangerous swells and rip currents as Hurricane Nigel spun through open waters in the northern Atlantic.

The Category 1 hurricane was located about 495 miles (800 kilometers) southeast of Cape Race Newfoundland. It had maximum sustained winds of 85 mph (140 kph) and was moving north at 30 mph (48 kph). Weakening is forecast during the next couple of days, and Nigel is forecast to become a post-tropical cyclone by Friday.

Bermuda has felt the brunt of three storms in the past month, although none have been a direct hit.

“This has been a very long and relentless hurricane season,” said National Security Minister Michael Weeks.

The National Hurricane Center in Miami said Nigel has likely reached peak intensity and is expected to start weakening later Wednesday as it moves into cooler waters and encounters strong wind shear.

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