NHC says Leslie could intensify into a major hurricane

(Reuters) – Leslie strengthened into a category 2 hurricane and may intensify into a major hurricane, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said late on Wednesday.

“Leslie could briefly become a major hurricane tomorrow morning before rapid weakening begins,” the forecast said.

However, there are no coastal watches or warnings in effect, the latest NHC advisory added.

The hurricane was located about 945 miles (1,515 km) east-northeast of the northern Leeward Islands, packing maximum sustained winds of 105 mph (165 kmh).

(Reporting by Daksh Grover in Bengaluru; Editing by Jacqueline Wong)