Hurricane Bertha (185km/h) has intensified rapidly. 

Bertha, as of 5 p.m. EDT USA, was centered about 1170kms ENE of the northern Leeward Islands and moving toward the WNW at 19. A turn to a more NW track with a reduction in forward speed is expected over the next couple of days.

The hurricane may grow in size as its forward motion decelerates.

It still appears as if Bertha will eventually take a more northerly course and miss the East Coast of the U.S. Bermuda, however, could be threatened. Residents of the island are advised to pay close attention to the hurricane’s progress.

story from our weather partner www.weather.com

The Radio Network’s Weather Watch Centre says St Johns in Newfoundland may also be affected by the tropical storm further down the track.  Huge swells are also expected to affect the entire eastern seaboard of the United States.