MIAMI (AP) — Hurricane Katia has grown to a Category 3 storm as it moves across the Atlantic Ocean.

On Monday afternoon, Katia's maximum sustained winds had increased to 116 mph (185 kph). That makes Katia a major hurricane, and some additional strengthening is expected later in the day.

Hurricane specialist Todd Kimberlain says it's looking less likely that Katia will hit land but that wind from the storm could still affect the U.S. East Coast as it moves north. Kimberlain also says the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions should still keep an eye on Katia.

Katia is centered about 495 miles (795 kilometers) south of Bermuda and is moving northwest near 12 mph (19 kph).

(Copyright 2011, The Associated Press)