CHARLESTOWN, Nevis (Reuter) - Hurricane Erika strengthened slightly off the Leeward Islands Saturday with winds of up to 85 mph, but islanders on the volcano-ravaged British colony of Montserrat watched the funeral of Princess Diana on television undisturbed and reported no damage overnight.

"The danger has passed, the hurricane passed by and we had a little rain but no wind," said resident Joan Sweeney by telephone. "We have not been affected at all."

"I think the whole island is watching (the funeral), we have cable here."