MIAMI, USA (AP) - Forecasters say Leslie has strengthened into the sixth hurricane of the Atlantic season but still remains far from land.

Hurricane Leslie is not a threat to Jamaica.

The US National Hurricane Center in Miami said that Leslie was 465 miles (750 kilometres) south-southeast of Bermuda. It had top sustained winds of 75 mph (120 kph) and was nearly stationary, moving north at just two mph (3 kph).

Current models show Leslie could speed up and pass over or near Bermuda in the coming days. Swells from Leslie have been affecting the US East Coast, as well as Bermuda, the northern Leeward Islands, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The swells could cause life-threatening surf and rip currents.

Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Michael was gaining strength further out to sea. It was over open waters and did not pose a threat to land.

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