The first major hurricane of the season, Danny, yesterday reached Category 3 strength, with maximum gusts of 115mph — although the storm, far to Bermuda’s south, was expected to weaken as it continued westward.

A below-average number of Atlantic storms was forecast by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for this season, which runs through to the end of November.

Danny was projected to be far east of the Caribbean as of last night, and to weaken throughout the weekend as it approaches the Leeward Islands, where residents have been urged to monitor its progress.