A tropical storm warning and a hurricane watch are in effect for Bermuda as Hurricane Bill continues its northwestern course. Meanwhile, interests along the New England coast are being urged to monitor Bill's progress.

Bill is moving toward the northwest at nearly 17 mph, the National Hurricane Center reported this morning. A gradual turn to the north-northwest is expected later today, followed by a turn toward the north Saturday. The core of the hurricane is expected to pass between Bermuda and the East Coast of the United States Saturday.

Maximum sustained winds have decreased to about 115 mph, but the storm is still listed as a Category 3 hurricane. Satellite imagery indicates that Bill has become a little less organized, but some restrengthening is possible later today followed by a gradual weakening Saturday, according to the center.

Large swells generated by Hurricane Bill are affecting Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, the Bahamas and Bermuda, and should begin affecting most of the U.S. East Coast during the next day or two.

"These swells will likely cause extremely dangerous surf and life-threatening rip currents," the Hurricane Center said in this morning's advisory.