MIAMI — Hurricane Kate has formed in the Atlantic north of Bermuda, becoming the fourth hurricane of the Atlantic season.

The hurricane’s maximum sustained winds early Wednesday are near 75 mph (120 kph).

Kate is centred about 260 miles (420 kilometres) north of Bermuda and is moving northeast near 40 mph (65 kph).

The U.S. National Hurricane Center says swells from Kate will begin affecting Bermuda on Wednesday morning, likely causing life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.