Government Tropical Storm Update
Minister of Labour, Home Affairs and Housing, Senator Lt Col David Burch this afternoon provided an update on approaching Tropical Storm Colin, and the information provided follows below:
Minister Burch said the latest information from the Bermuda Weather Service indicated that the storm was expected to come within 27 miles of the island at approximately 11 p.m. on Saturday, August 7 and we can expect tropical storm force winds through Saturday afternoon until Sunday morning.
The Causeway will be monitored to ensure the safety of motorists. The LF Wade International Airport is monitoring the situation and the public is urged to call their airline to make sure their flights are operating as normal.
The onset of tropical storm force winds of 30 to 40 knots is expected Saturday afternoon. The onset of intermittent 50 knot winds are expected Saturday evening (from around 6pm) with the cessation of 40-50 knots at approximately 3 to 4am Sunday.
Cessation of tropical storm force winds is expected at approximately 6am Sunday morning. There is potential for higher gusts and heavy rainfall/thunderstorms anytime Saturday afternoon through the overnight period. There is also a small chance that Colin may see additional strengthening to a Category 1 Hurricane (64 knots or greater) in the next 24 hours.
Residents are advised to check their emergency kits to be sure supplies are adequate. A typical emergency kit would include items such as flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, non–perishable foods, an ample water supply and disposable utensils. Additionally, those residents with boats should make certain that their vessels are properly secured to prevent damage. It is also recommended that residents tie down any loose outdoor furniture or potted plants to prevent undue damage.
The public are encouraged to tune in to regular news reports and updates regarding Tropical Storm Colin particularly as it relates to possible changes in ferry and bus schedules.
The South Shore Park areas are currently experiencing higher than average surf conditions. The lifeguards at Horseshoe Bay have shut down swimming to over half of the beach due to very dangerous rip currents in addition to flying the yellow flag discouraging weak swimmers from entering the water and others to exercise extreme care and caution while in or near the water.
As of 6pm tonight Friday, August 6, 2010 the Lifeguards towers at Horseshoe Bay, John Smiths Bay, Clearwater Beach, Turtle Beach and Long Bay Coopers Island will be closed until Monday the 9th August 2010. Should weather and resources allow the lifeguards will attempt to resume operations sometime on Sunday August 8, 2010.
In anticipation of increased high surf overnight and through the day tomorrow, the Department of Parks will be erected high surf warning signs in our National Parks from Whale Bay, Southampton, eastward along the south shore parks through to and including John Smith’s Bay, Smiths and then Clearwater and Turtle Beach in St. David’s. The Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve will be closed to the public as of 6pm tonight until further notice. The Department of Parks will continue to monitor the situation and provide any updates where necessary over the next 48hrs.
For more information on Tropical Storm Colin, residents can tune in to or log on to the following:
- Hurricane preparedness: www.emo.gov.bm
- Online weather updates: www.weather.bm
- Televised weather updates: CableVision Ch. 4 and WOW Ch. 100
- For The Public Forecast: Dial 977
- For The Current Observation: Dial 9771
- For The Marine Forecast Dial: 9772
- For Latest Warnings & Tropical Information: Dial 9773
Hurricane season officially began June 1, and concludes on November 30, 2010.
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