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As at Friday afternoon (Aug 21) Danny, the first named hurricane of the Atlantic season has intensified and is now categorized as a “major hurricane”.

According to the National Hurricane Centre’s 2pm advisory Hurricane Danny was located  14.3°N 48.6°W, moving WNW at 10 mph with maximum sustained winds of 115 mph.

“Reports from a NOAA Hurricane Hunter aircraft indicate that Danny is now a Category 3 Hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.  The maximum winds are estimated to be 115 mph (185 km/h) with higher gusts,” the NHC reported.

The storm is expected to turn toward the west on Saturday or Saturday night.

It is also expected to weaken over the next 48.

“No additional intensification is expected, as Danny is moving into an area of unfavorable upper-level winds, and a weakening trend is expected to begin later today,” said the NHC.

NEMA issued the following announcement for residents in St. Kitts and Nevis, advising that the most adequate information related to the status of the system and its impact on the Federation, will ONLY be aired locally. Persons are asked to monitor the local media for updates.

“In keeping with consultation with the St. Kitts Meteorological Services, Danny is expected to impact St. Kitts-Nevis as a Tropical Storm (moderate to heavy rain with strong and gusty winds) with effects likely to begin on Sunday night, 23rd August, 2015.

“Danny is forecast to pass very close to the North or South side of the islands, or over; throughout Monday, August 24th. The public is advised to take the approaching system seriously, even if there is a decrease in strength, and to stay indoors until the all clear is given.”