The Tribune

TROPICAL Storm Humberto was set to become a hurricane last night or early today as it moved away from the Cape Verde Islands heading northwest.

Meanwhile a Tropical Storm warning was in effect for Bermuda as the newly reformed Gabrielle closed in on the country.

At 5pm yesterday, Humberto’s centre was located near the Cape Verde Islands off the coast of Western Africa and it was moving towards the northwest at eight mph.

A turn towards the north-northwest at a faster forward speed was expected today, followed by a northward motion tonight and tomorrow.

Maximum winds had already increased to near 70mph last night, with winds extending outward up to 90 miles from the centre.

A curve to the northwest and then the north is forecast this week, which will take Humberto over the open waters of the Central Atlantic.

A strengthening Gabrielle brought gusty winds, rain and rough surf to Bermuda yesterday as it approached the country after reforming over the Atlantic.

US forecasters said Gabrielle was likely to bring some 4 inches of rain to Bermuda. Storm surge of up to 3 feet above normal tide levels was also predicted.