ORLANDO, Fla. – Hurricane Melissa is showing signs of getting stronger early Thursday as it races northeast across the Atlantic.
Overnight satellite data revealed a well-defined mid-level eyewall and even hints of a developing eye surrounded by deep thunderstorms.
Melissa’s winds have been increased to around 105 mph, making it a strong Category 2 hurricane.
[VIDEO BELOW: Melissa on destructive path through islands]
Air Force Hurricane Hunter aircraft are scheduled to investigate the storm later in the day.
Melissa was moving quickly to the northeast at about 20 mph as it pulls away from the Bahamas and heads toward Bermuda. The storm’s center is expected to pass just northwest of the island Thursday night, and a Hurricane Warning remains in effect for Bermuda.
After passing Bermuda, Melissa will accelerate across the North Atlantic and is forecast to reach the southeastern tip of Newfoundland by Friday night as it transitions into a powerful post-tropical system.
[VIDEO BELOW: Cooler weather comes to Central Florida]
By late Thursday and into Friday, the storm will encounter stronger wind shear and cooler waters, which will cause it to weaken and lose its tropical characteristics.
No other areas of of development are expected to develop in the next seven days, according to the National Hurricane Center.
Hurricane season officially ends November 30.