Gaston intensified back into a hurricane east if Bermuda on Saturday.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Hurricane Gaston was located at latitude 29.6°N and longitude 54.2°W which put it about 655 miles (1055) km east-southeast of Bermuda.  Gaston was moving toward the northwest at 8 m.p.h. (13 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 85 m.p.h. (140 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 100 m.p.h. (160 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 980 mb.

The circulation of Hurricane Gaston is as well organized as it has ever been.  Gaston has a well formed circular eye surrounded by a ring of thunderstorms.  Multiple spiral rainbands are rotating around the circulation.  Upper level outflow channels to the southwest and east are enhancing upper level divergence and allowing the surface pressure to decrease.

Hurricane Gaston has moved into an environment that is favorable for further intensification.  If it moving over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 29°C.  An upper level low northeast of Puerto Rico and an upper level low southeast of Gaston are partially responsible for the two upper level outflow channels.  The upper level winds are weaker in between the two upper level lows and the vertical shear is less than it has been in recent days.  Gaston is likely to intensify further and it could become the first Major Hurricane of the 2016 Atlantic hurricane season.

The steering currents between the two upper lows are weaker and Hurricane Gaston has been moving more slowly toward the northwest.  Gaston is expected to move slowly northward for another day or two.  An upper level trough is likely to begin to steer the hurricane toward the east in 48 to 72 hours.  On its anticipated track Hurricane Gaston should pass well to the east of Bermuda.