Hurricane Michael becomes a Category 3 storm

MIAMI (AP) — Hurricane Michael has strengthened to a Category 3 storm, the first one of the Atlantic hurricane season.

The hurricane is not an immediate threat to land.

Michael's maximum sustained winds increased to 115 mph (185 kph) early Thursday.

Michael is centered about 1,020 miles (1,645 kilometers) west-southwest of the Azores and is moving northeast near 7 mph (11 kph).

Meanwhile, Hurricane Leslie is drifting northward in the Atlantic and threatens Bermuda. Leslie's maximum sustained winds are near 75 mph (120 kph).

Leslie is centered about 440 miles (705 kilometers) south-southeast of Bermuda and is moving north near 1 mph (2 kph).

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.