MIAMI — ********* Florence flirted with Category 4 status last night before dropping back down to Category 3, however forecasters are warning the storm is still likely to cause “life-threatening” surf and rip current conditions in Bermuda later this week.

The National ********* Center said the storm’s maximum sustained winds Wednesday afternoon are estimated to be 215 kph.

********* Florence is centred about 2,080 kilometres east-southeast of Bermuda and is moving northwest at 20 kph.

Forecasters expect Florence to weaken somewhat over the next few days, but they anticipate it will still be a powerful ********* through early next week.

Officials say swells caused by Florence will begin to affect Bermuda on Friday.

There are no coastal watches or warnings currently in place.