Gordon has become the third hurricane of the 2012 Atlantic Hurricane Season.

Gordon's structure improved during the late overnight of the 17th, and by very early morning today the NHC determined that Gordon had become a hurricane. Since then, the cyclone has continued to strengthen, with a noticeable clearing within the eye, and ever deeper convection wrapping partially to mostly the way around it.

As of the 5PM AST Aug. 18 Advisory, Gordon is estimated to have just about reached its maximum intensity at 90 knots (105 MPH). There is still some opportunity for Gordon to strengthen more, but by Monday it will be traveling over waters consistently cooler than 27c while likely also undergoing increasing shear.