Wed, Sept 5th: Tropical Storm Leslie Updates

September 5, 2012

[Updating] The latest forecasts from both the Bermuda Weather Service and U.S. National Hurricane Center this morning [Sept 5] continue to show Tropical Storm Leslie strengthening into a hurricane and passing close to Bermuda this weekend.

At 5am this morning, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said Leslie was 490 miles south south-east of Bermuda, and moving towards the north north-west at 2mph. Leslie’s maximum sustained winds are near 65mph [100km/h] with higher gusts, and it is expected to become a hurricane in the next day or two.

In the 6am forecast discussion, Bermuda Weather Service Meteorologist Ken Smith said: “Based on the radii of forecast winds and the outlook positions for Leslie, I have forecast an onset of tropical storm force winds Saturday morning.

“Storm force winds will likely arrive Saturday evening and hurricane force winds around dawn Sunday. As Leslie begins to move away to our north conditions will gradually ease through the day Sunday, finally becoming strong southwesterly Sunday night.

“A Hurricane Warning will likely be needed for Sunday morning, with tropical storm force conditions again through Sunday afternoon.”

Last night a Government spokesperson said: “You will be aware that the Department of Parks has closed the South Shore beaches owing to the high surf and dangerous currents due to the approaching storm.

“It seems as though some visitors and locals continued to go to beach and surf and/or swim after the warning was issued. This is tremendously concerning. Can you emphasise the importance on your website that it’s critical that these warnings are adhered to.

“We want to ensure that no serious incidents occur through the ignorance of not obeying the warnings.”

Update 10.20am: The Hamilton Cargo Docks will be closed on Friday [Sept 7] for deliveries, in order to prepare for the impending storm.

Update 10.30am: The Department of Airport Operations is advising residents who may have cars parked in any areas of the LF Wade International Airport to remove them before the storm hits as this area is prone to flooding.

Update 12.25pm: In their midday update, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said Leslie is expected to become a hurricane later today.

Update 12.27pm: A video of the weather conditions at the Causeway as of 11.30am today is below

Update 2.13pm: HWP has provided some tips to keep your vehicle safe during the hurricane. They can be read here.

Update 3.30pm: Tropical Storm Leslie has just been upgraded to a hurricane

Update 3.55pm: BELCO said they are “prepared for Hurricane Leslie to have direct impact on the Island this weekend.” Their full statement is here.

A full press statement is expected to be released after the Emergency Measures Organisation meeting to be held later today.

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Comments (21)

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  1. The road to hell says:

    Stay safe Bermuda

  2. Tank Rain says:

    Tank Rain!

  3. Keepin' it Real...4Real! says:

    the projected path looks like a direct hit …????

  4. Redman says:

    Well lets hope the folks at Marine and Ports do a better job when they look to secure our tugs and tenders this time. Remember what happened during Igor when one of the anchored boats broke its mooring chain and went aground near Wellington? That need not have happened had they moved the Rusting Hulk that is the gambling boat ‘Nubi… something or other’ which was and is still alongside Marginal Wharf in St Georges Harbour and secured a few of the Tugs or tenders alongside instead.

    Unfortunately they didn’t think of that did they (as I had) and we had a tender go aground with untold amount in costs to get it off of the shoreline and to repair the damages while ‘Rust Bucket’ sat comfortably and undamaged alongside the dock. For the Govt apologists who defended the Govt’s and Marine and Ports back then by claiming it was ‘an act of God’ … Please, Spare Me!! News Flash, it wasn’t it was more an act of negligence plain and simple.

    To top it off we probably aren’t even earning Dock or Mooring Fees from that arraignment. How dumb is that? Come on Marine and Ports and Govt, look after our Tax Payer Bought Property and secure our boats properly this time!!

    • Triangle Drifter says:

      Hey, not their boats. They don’t care. Boat goes on the rocks, they get paid just the same. No investigation, no penalty for negligence. The M&P department used to be one of the few departments that ran a fairly tight ship, so to speak. These days it is like the rest.

      • mixitup says:

        You people are nauseating, you don’t get tired?

        • Triangle Drifter says:

          Those who stick their heads in the sand & pretend/hope the problems simply go away are delusional.

          What part of Government incompetence & civil service waste do you not understand?

          Fix it & the critisism will go away.

          • swing voter says:

            ya there is no accountability accross all departments. It seems when a black boss takes over, there is no respect given by the rank and file. It happened to Richardson at Ports, it happened to Simmons at the Bus Depot, it will continue to happen until an OBA government is voted in to remove the tail that wags the dog.

        • @ mixitup says: If its so nauseating then why are you reading and commenting on it? Why not follow PLP best practice on this which is insert head into a hole in the sand, hope all is well when the event is over!! LOL

          What really is nauseating is persons like mixit… who cant see this for what it is, sound and sensible advice that should at least be explored, or would mixit… prefer to see another tender on the rocks for a month or so and a bill in the hundreds of thousands again?? I guess it is too painful for their fragile PLP psyche to consider other ideas, hmm just like the Govt innit?! LOL

          Obviously suggesting that Marine and Ports and by extension the Govt do a better job with protecting the peoples assets during storms is not that important to you. That’s cool as I’m sure the Govt can continue borrowing to repair or buy new things. I guess that’s better than listening to sensible and sound advice, learning from past mistakes and or using some Grey Matter which could see us avoiding throwing more much needed money away.

          Oh well forget it Marine & Ports and Govt it is only an act of God so …

  5. CHEEKUMS BI says:

    lets put bullet proof vests on our reefs to protect us (o_0)

  6. Pissed Off says:

    Opportunistic!!!!!

    MarketPlace is a rip off. This morning the RayOvac Sportsman 4D Camper Lantern was selling $19.39 went back later they are now selling for $ 26.99.

    • Next Step says:

      Take your case with proof to Consumer Affairs. While you’re there complain about convulation of rates by Telcommunications providers and copy in the Telecommunications Commission.

    • Watching On says:

      Yep, just watch how fast they jack prices up to profit now that Leslie is a full blown hurricane.

  7. Dawn de Toilet says:

    I feel sorry for all the chickens and feral cats, where will they go for protection? The cats will be terrified! What about all the homeless men on front street, doorways will not protect them. Is there somewhere they can go when the salvation army is all full? Do any of them know about the pending storm when most cant read or afford a newspaper?

    • Concerned says:

      Gov’t doesn’t haev a true plan – during the dump fire they arranged or somebody arranged for CBAcademy’s gym or their cafeteria to be open. They need a forward planner indeed. Perhaps they can hire a consultant for that, they have enough of them that are employed at the moment.

      • Concerned says:

        that should be – they have enough of them that are UNEMPLOYED at the moment.

  8. Nicole says:

    5am is actually 6am in Bermuda. The weather updates are at 6am, 12pm, 6pm and 12am with intermittent ones as the time gets closer :)