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US to escape worst of Hurricane Katia

The US mainland is expected to escape the full force of Hurricane Katia but Bermuda has been put on tropical storm alert.

The forecast offers respite to the US after many states were battered by storms Irene and Lee. But gusty winds and large waves may affect Bermuda, the US National Hurricane Centre said.

Katia is reported to be more than 335 miles offshore, but swells and rip currents could reach the east coast of the US. The storm is expected to remain off the eastern coast of the US, turning north-north-east towards the cooler waters of the north Atlantic towards the end of the week.

Hurricane Katia is not expected to strengthen today and may begin weakening by Thursday, the Hurricane Centre said.

Massive rain and flooding followed both Irene, which hit North Carolina as a hurricane before weakening to a tropical storm as it headed north, and Lee, which has created a deluge in southern states.

Tropical Storm Lee’s winds also contributed to major wildfires that have forced thousands to evacuate their homes in Texas.

Image: Nasa, image courtesy Modis Rapid Response Team

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