A strengthening hurricane in the Atlantic Ocean is expected to bring tropical storm-force winds and large swells to Bermuda as it passes east of the British territory Saturday.

A tropical storm watch is in effect for Bermuda. At last report, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said the storm was more than 1,100 kilometers southeast of Bermuda with sustained winds of up to 160 kilometers.

After passing Bermuda, Ophelia is expected to head north, staying clear of the U.S. coast.

East of Ophelia, Tropical Storm Philippe is heading toward the Bahamas, but is not expected to reach land in the next few days.