Original: As shear remained low and the oceans remained warm, Helene intensified slightly more, peaking as a solid Category 3 hurricane with 120 mph (195 km/h) winds early on September 18.
Simplified: As shear remained low and the oceans remained warm, Helene intensified a little bit more, peaking as a strong Category 3 hurricane with 120 mph (195 km/h) winds early on September 18.