MIAMI (AP) -- Humberto strengthened to a Category 1 hurricane far out in the Atlantic early Wednesday, becoming the first hurricane of the Atlantic season.
Humberto's maximum sustained winds wer near 75 mph (120 kph). The U.S. National Hurricane Center said the hurricane could gain more strength before a weakening trend likely starts Thursday.
Humberto was centered about 310 miles (500 kilometers) west-northwest of the southernmost Cape Verde Islands and is moving north-northwest near 8 mph (13 kph).
It is unusual for this much time to pass in the Atlantic season without a hurricane forming, though not unheard of. Hurricane Gustav was the first of the 2002 season when it formed on Sept. 11 of that year. The record for the latest first-of-the-season hurricane is Oct. 8, 1905, based on records dating to 1851.
Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Gabrielle was weakening as it moved away from Bermuda after hitting the wealthy British territory with wind, rain and rough surf. Gabrielle's maximum sustained winds decreased to near 50 mph (85 kph).
A tropical storm warning issued for Bermuda was discontinued Wednesday morning.