"Major" Hurricane Bertha

Hurricane Bertha (115 mph) has intensified rapidly.

Bertha, as of 5 p.m. EDT, was centered about 730 miles ENE of the northern Leeward Islands and moving toward the WNW at 12 mph. A turn to a more NW track with a reduction in forward speed is expected over the next couple of days.

The hurricane may grow in size as its forward motion decelerates.

It still appears as if Bertha will eventually take a more northerly course and miss the East Coast of the U.S. Bermuda, however, could be threatened. Residents of the island are advised to pay close attention to the hurricane's progress.

By Tom Moore, Lead Meteorologist, The Weather Channel