Hurricane “Chris” reaches Category 2, heading toward eastern Canada, Iceland

Hurricane "Chris" has strengthened into a Category 2 as it moves northeastward over the open Atlantic Ocean. There are currently no coastal watches or warnings in effect but interests in Atlantic Canada should monitor its progress.

At 09:00 UTC on July 11, the center of Hurricane "Chris" was located about 510 km (315 miles) E of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina and 1 885 km (1 175 miles) SW of Cape Race, Newfoundland, Canada.

Its maximum sustained winds at the time were 165 km/h (105 mph) and the system was moving NE at 35 km/h (22 mph) with minimum central pressure of 970 hPa. This general motion with additional increase in forward speed anticipated during the next 2 to 3 days.

Chris could strengthen some more today or tonight but should weaken and become a strong post-tropical cyclone by Thursday night, July 12 or earlier.

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 35 km (25 miles) from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 150 km (90 miles).

Hurricane "Chris" at 13:45 UTC on July 11, 2018. Credit: NOAA/GOES-East

Swells generated by this storm are expected to affect portions of the coasts of North Carolina and the mid-Atlantic states during the next few days. These swells could cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.

Chris is expected to produce total rain accumulations of 25 to 70 mm (1 to 3 inches) over Newfoundland, with possible isolated maximum amounts of 150 mm (6 inches). Flash flooding is possible.

Featured image: Hurricane "Chris" at 13:45 UTC on July 11, 2018. Credit: NOAA/GOES-East