Wind shear helped to slow Hurricane Bill’s wind speeds to Category 3 levels of 125 mph over the last 24 hours. However, the National Hurricane Center cautions that some strengthening is expected in the next 24 hours and Bill may return to Category 4 levels.
The storm now has hurricane force winds extended out 85 miles from its center and tropical storm winds extending out 230 miles. Moving toward the northwest at 18 mph, the effects of the season’s first major Atlantic hurricane will begin to be felt in the next 72 hours.
The Bahamas and Bermuda will begin to experience large swells in the next 24 to 48 hours. Portions of the United States east coast will also feel similar effects Friday into Saturday. The National Hurricane Center is cautioning residents of these areas that ocean waters will be “extremely dangerous” with “life-threatening rip currents.”
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