The Latest: Ophelia post-tropical but has hurricane strength

LONDON – The Latest on Ophelia (all times local):

4 a.m.

Ophelia is now a post-tropical cyclone but is still forecast to bring hurricane-force winds to Ireland and the United Kingdom on Monday.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center says late Sunday that Ophelia’s maximum sustained winds are near 85 mph (140 km/h) with higher gusts. It’s forecast to weaken during the next couple of days.

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 70 miles (110 km) from the centre, and tropical-storm-force winds extend up to 275 miles (445 km) from the centre.

Most ferry crossings between Ireland and Britain have been cancelled, schools in Ireland were ordered to close and travellers were warned to stay off the roads and expect flight cancellations.

Britain’s Met Office says 80-mph gusts could hit Northern Ireland, which is part of the U.K. Strong winds could also hit Scotland, Wales and England.