THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Saturday, August 20, 1994              TAG: 9408200234
SECTION: LOCAL                    PAGE: B5   EDITION: FINAL 
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS 
DATELINE: MIAMI                              LENGTH: Short :   41 lines

CHRIS UNLIKELY TO REACH U.S. SHORES THE ATLANTIC SEASON'S FIRST HURRICANE HAS TURNED NORTH AND MAY THREATEN BERMUDA.

Hurricane Chris formed in open waters Friday and took a turn to the northwest that should steer it away from the United States.

But the weak hurricane, the Atlantic season's first, could threaten Bermuda as it strengthens in the next few days, the National Hurricane Center said.

``Bermuda is the only land that could be threatened by this hurricane,'' forecaster Lixion Avila said. ``In about three days, it will be very close to this island.''

Chris moved steadily toward the northwest at 17 mph, and forecasters expected it to veer to the north in the next day or so. Sustained winds measured 75 mph, just over the 74 mph threshold for a hurricane.

At 11 a.m., the center of the hurricane was at 19.5 north latitude and 53.9 west longitude, or 550 miles east of the Leeward Islands.

A weather trough between Puerto Rico and Bermuda is influencing both Chris' strength and direction. The trough is cutting off the tops of storm clouds, keeping the hurricane from intensifying rapidly.

Floridians, many of whom are mindful that the second anniversary of the phenomenally destructive Hurricane Andrew is Aug. 24, have been wary since Tuesday. ILLUSTRATION: Map

Hurricane chart

Instructions on How to Track a Hurricane

For complete chart and information see microfilm.

KEYWORDS: HURRICANES HURRICANE TRACKING CHART by CNB