Cristobal expected to strengthen as it approaches Newfoundland

HALIFAX - Hurricane Cristobal is expected to gain strength as it approaches waters off Newfoundland this week.

However, forecasters say it's unlikely the storm will cause much trouble on land.

The Canadian Hurricane Centre in Halifax says Cristobal should remain far offshore as it passes south of the island Friday and over the Grand Banks.

The hurricane is headed for Bermuda after causing flooding that officials have blamed for at least five deaths in the Caribbean.

The National Hurricane Centre in Miami says Cristobal will likely avoid a collision with the U.S. Eastern Seaboard.

But it's warning of dangerous surf and rip current conditions from central Florida to North Carolina.