Katia Gains Strength, Tropical Rains Brew in Gulf

MIAMI (AP) -- Katia has regained hurricane strength far out in the Atlantic and forecasters say it is expected to continue getting stronger.

Katia (KAH'-tee-yah) was about 705 miles (1,135 kilometers) east of the Leeward Islands and moving west-northwest at 14 mph (22 kph) with maximum sustained winds Friday of 75 mph (120 kph), making it a Category 1 hurricane.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center said it's too early to tell if Katia will hit the U.S. It is expected to pass north of the Caribbean.

Meanwhile a slow-moving tropical depression is slogging toward the U.S. Gulf coast, packing walloping rains that could drench the region from Louisiana to Alabama with up to 20 inches.

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