At 14:00 EDT (18:00 GMT), Sandy was churning about 170 miles south-east of New York City, the NHC said.

BBC: Hurricane Sandy: Thousands hit by flight cancellations

With winds now reported to be more than 90mph, the hurricane - dubbed "Frankenstorm" - is gaining strength, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) has said.

BBC: Hurricane Sandy: Thousands hit by flight cancellations

Felix is centered about 30 miles northwest of Granada and is moving westward at about 18 miles per hour, the NHC said in its 5 a.m. advisory.

CNN: The CNN Wire: Saturday, September 1

The NHC expects Irene to weaken after hitting North Carolina, but it is forecast to remain a hurricane as it moves north along the Atlantic coast on Sunday.

BBC: Millions flee as Hurricane Irene lashes US east coast

We are expecting some intensification and right now, most of the models and the NHC forecast - the National Hurricane Center forecast is calling for Ike to regain major status as a low-end category three.

NPR: Hurricanes Wreak Havoc In Haiti And Cuba

Felix is expected to continue on this track over the next 24 hours, which would take away from the southern Windward Islands later this morning and near the islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao late Saturday or early Sunday, the NHC said.

CNN: The CNN Wire: Saturday, September 1