/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/OWRANVTH7NGHTBFDW4TTB4R7TU.png "Hurricane Sam was spinning toward Bermuda on Thursday and Tropical Storm Victor also formed in the Atlantic.")
MIAMI — Hurricane Sam was a powerful Category 4 storm again Thursday with forecasters predicting a glancing blow to Bermuda as it spins north in the Atlantic Ocean. A tropical storm watch was issued for the island.
The U.S. National Hurricane Center said Sam was centered about 825 miles south-southeast of Bermuda and should pass to the east of the island, but storm conditions were expected because tropical storm-force winds extended 150 miles from its center.
An Air Force hurricane hunter aircraft measured Sam’s top winds at nearly 145 mph Thursday morning. Sam’s swells also could cause high surf and dangerous rip currents along U.S. East Coast beaches this weekend.
Tropical Storm Victor formed southwest of the Cape Verde islands, far from land, and was expected to become a minimal hurricane Friday night before dissipating in the central Atlantic Ocean, the hurricane center said.
Neither Sam or Victor is considered a threat to Florida at this time.
• • •
2021 Tampa Bay Times hurricane guide
IT’S STORM SEASON: Get ready and stay informed at tampabay.com/hurricane
THE TRUTH IS OUT THERE: Seven hurricane myths that need to go away
BACK-UP YOUR DATA: Protect your data, documents and photos
BUILD YOUR HURRICANE KIT: Gear up — and mask up — before the storm hits
PROTECT YOUR PETS: Here’s how to keep your pets as safe as you
NEED TO KNOW: Click here to find your evacuation zone and shelter
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