Hurricane Helene moving through open Atlantic, no threat to land

Hurricane Helene continued moving northeast over the open Atlantic Friday, not posing a threat to land, forecasters said.

Photo: Hurricane Helene moving through open Atlantic, no threat to land

At 0900 GMT, Helene was centered about 560 miles (900 kilometers) east of Bermuda and moving northeast near 15 mph (25 kph), according to the National Hurricane Center. Its maximum sustained winds were near 85 mph (140 kph), with little change expected over the next day, forecasters said.

Hurricane force winds extended up to 40 miles (65 kilometers) from its center.

Although the hurricane would not make landfall, Bermuda was expected to feel the effects, through hazardous surf conditions, until Saturday night, said Stacy Stewart, a senior hurricane specialist, reports AP.

The Atlantic hurricane season began June 1 and ends Nov. 30. September is traditionally one of the busiest months of the season.