Hurricane Fred grows at sea, but no threat to land

This image provided by NOAA shows Hurricane Fred, lower right, taken at 4:15 a.m. Wednesday Sept. 9, 2009. The National Hurricane Center said Wednesday that Hurricane Fred has strengthened to a Category 2 hurricane with maximum sustained winds at 105 mph and is about 445 miles (715 km) west-southwest of the southernmost Cape Verde Islands and moving west near 13 mph. It is the second named hurricane of the season.





This image provided by NOAA shows Hurricane Fred, lower right, taken at 7:45 a.m. EDT, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2009. Hurricane Fred has quickly strengthened to a Category 2 storm in the Atlantic and forecasters say it could become a major hurricane later in the day. The National Hurricane Center in Miami says Fred could become a Category 3 storm later Wednesday but is expected to start weakening Thursday.




Graphic shows the location and projected path of Hurricane Fred as of 5 a.m., Wednesday



Hurricane Fred gets stronger far out over Atlantic
(AP) – 2 hours ago

MIAMI — Hurricane Fred has quickly strengthened to a Category 2 storm but remains far out in the eastern Atlantic with no signs it will threaten land.

The National Hurricane Center in Miami says Fred could become a major hurricane later on Wednesday. The storm's projected five-day path will keep it over the open ocean until it loses steam.

Fred's maximum sustained winds have increased to near 105 mph. Forecasters say it could become a major hurricane, meaning top sustained winds of more than 110 mph.

The storm is centered about 500 miles west-southwest of the southernmost Cape Verde Islands and moving west-northwest near 13 mph.

Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Linda is drifting slowly far out over the Pacific with maximum sustained winds near 65 mph.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

MIAMI (AP) — Hurricane Fred has quickly strengthened to a Category 2 storm in the Atlantic and forecasters say it could become a major hurricane later in the day.

Fred's maximum sustained winds have increased to near 105 mph (165 kph) early Wednesday. The National Hurricane Center in Miami says Fred could become a Category 3 storm later Wednesday but is expected to start weakening Thursday.

Fred is centered about 500 miles (805 kilometers) west-southwest of the southernmost Cape Verde Islands and moving west-northwest near 13 mph (20 kph).

Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Linda is drifting slowly far out over the Pacific with maximum sustained winds near 65 mph (100 kph).