NHC: Hurricane Gonzalo Is Now A Category 3
[Updated: As of 7.30pm today [Oct 15], the BWS list Hurricane Gonzalo as a “threat” and a Hurricane Warning is in effect. The NHC said Gonzalo is a Category 3]
The Bermuda Weather Service [BWS] have warned that — directly on the heels of Tropical Storm Fay — another Tropical Storm has formed, and the “current tropical update bulletin indicates a path towards Bermuda as an intensifying hurricane later this coming week.”
The BWS presently has Tropical Storm Gonzalo listed “not a threat to Bermuda at this time,” and said that the storm’s closest approach to Bermuda within 72 hours is forecast to be 522 nautical miles to the south-southwest at 6.00am on Thursday, October 16.
However in a statement last night, the BWS warned: “With the passage of Tropical Storm Fay, complacency is not an option, and on that note please be aware that Tropical Storm Gonzalo has now developed east of the Leeward Islands.
“The current tropical update bulletin indicates a path towards Bermuda as an intensifying hurricane later this coming week, and we strongly advise everyone to keep an eye on our regular update bulletins.”
Graphic courtesy of the BWS:
According to the U.S. National Hurricane Center, Tropical Storm Gonzalo has maximum sustained winds of 60 mph [95kph], and is moving at 10mph.
“Reports from the reconnaissance aircraft indicate that maximum sustained winds are near 60 mph with higher gusts,” said the NHC.
“Strengthening is expected during the next 48 hours and Gonzalo is forecast to become a hurricane tonight or Tuesday. The aircraft is still investigating Gonzalo, and it could possibly find stronger winds on the east side of the storm.”
A number of Hurricane Watches and Tropical Storm Warnings have been issued for multiple Caribbean Islands.
Update 2.16pm: Digicel said, “With the forecasted arrival of Hurricane Gonzalo, Digicel will be unrelenting in repairing the damage caused by Fay” and “plans are already in place to have additional members of Digicel’s technical team on site during Hurricane Gonzalo in order to ensure the continued high quality service to customers and emergency supplies, supplementary telecommunications equipment and additional staff are at close hand should they be needed.”
Update 5.48pm: Tropical Storm Gonzalo — which the BWS already warned us is “on a path towards Bermuda” — is now Hurricane Gonzalo. The U.S. National Hurricane Centre said, “Additional strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours, and Gonzalo could become a major hurricane by Wednesday.”
Update 6.12pm: In their 6pm update, the BWS said “Hurricane Gonzalo is a potential threat to Bermuda,” and it’s closest point of approach to Bermuda within 72 hrs is forecast to be 378 nm to the SSW at 6pm on Thursday, Oct 16.
Update Tues, Oct 14 1.00am: The graphic below, courtesy of NOAA/NHC, appears to indicate that Gonzalo is forecast to be heading towards us for Friday evening/Saturday morning.
Update 8.57am: According to the latest update from the U.S. National Hurricane Center this morning, Hurricane Gonzalo has maximum sustained winds of 110 mph [175 km/h] and is moving at 13 mph [20 km/h].
“Additional strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours, and Gonzalo is expected to become a major hurricane today,” the NHC said.
Update 9.14am: BELCO said they are “preparing for Hurricane Gonzalo, expecting it to reach Bermuda as a major hurricane this weekend. BELCO is in discussion with CARILEC, the organization of Caribbean electric utility companies, about bringing in additional crews to assist with anticipated additional restoration in the aftermath of Gonzalo.”
Update 12.34pm: As of 12pm, the BWS has now amended Hurricane Gonzalo from a “potential threat” to a “threat” and said it’s closest point of approach to Bermuda within 72 hrs is forecast to be 87 nm to the south-west at 12pm on Friday Oct 17th.
The National Hurricane Center said: “strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours, and Gonzalo is expected to become a major hurricane today and possibly become a category 4 hurricane by Thursday.”
For anyone not familiar with the rankings, Hurricanes go from 1 – 5, so a 4 is major. The max sustained winds listed for Fay were 70mph, a Category 4 carries sustained winds of double that…from 130-156 mph
Update 1.30pm: The NHC said Hurricane Gonzalo is moving northwestward over the open Atlantic Ocean, centered at 11 a.m. EDT/AST about 830 miles south of Bermuda.
“Maximum sustained winds are 110 mph – a strong Category 2 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Gonzalo is expected to become a major hurricane [Category 3] today, and possibly a Category 4 hurricane by Thursday.”
“The hurricane could be a potential threat to Bermuda in about three days’ time.”
Update 6.16pm: The latest update from the NHC said Gonzalo is now a Category 3, and is about 770 miles south of Bermuda, with maximum sustained winds of 115 mph. “Additional strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours and Gonzalo is expected to become a Category 4 hurricane on Wednesday,” the NHC said.
Update 6.28pm: BWS has now issued Tropical Storm Watch, and said Hurricane Gonzalo’s “closest point of approach to Bermuda within 72 hrs is now forecast to be within 25 nm of [or directly over] the island” at 5pm this Friday.
Update 8.10pm: A look at what is coming at us…NASA’s Terra satellite captured this image of Hurricane Gonzalo near Puerto Rico this morning.
Update 10.01pm: The BWS has now issued a Hurricane Watch
Update Wed Oct 15, 12.36pm: The NHC said Gonzalo is now a Category 4
Update 7.30pm: The NHC said Gonzalo is back to a Category 3
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And what? There is no more outside furniture to destroy, all the trees are done and and the boats are gone.
Bring it on weatherman!
Are you challenged?! Have you looked at the state of this Island? Its a mess, we do not need anymore!
well there goes the hurricane parties. Cant party to hard without power, and a leak proof roof over your head..I bet many Bermudians will take this Hurricane alot more serious then the last storm!
Yeah coz they always used to have roofs and AC while they partied in the past. Seriously??
I would say he/she is very challenged!!
LIKE I SAID
SHUT DE WHOLE ISLAND DOWN !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You sir are an A**hole!!
Please do not insult A**holes
The meaning of de name Gonzalo means “WAR”
So after an encounter with Fahy were having a WAR
Kinda ironic !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It was FAY.
Fahy means “Foundation”
LMFAO, where do you get ya information from ,Fahy is Irish and means ‘from the green field’.
Fay…Ts Fay. See the difference? I know they sound alike. Glad I could help.
DO NOT LET THIS STORM BREAK YOUR SPIRIT.
NEVER GIVE UP.
Sure why not hit us while we are down already, maybe we need a double lashing!
Oh how wonderful it is that the Lord is truly blessing us with this second direct hit in two weekends. We are so thankful oh Lord that you will show us your mercy and give us millions of dollars of further damage oh Lord. We also worship you for the loss of life we may endure and we realize that you will be doing this for our own good.
What a bunch of BS religion is.
Lots have been praying for work DH
ANCESTORS (not descendants)
Hey Kunta you finally got your wish to shut de whole island darn! Ha!
And again this weekend! Good on you sir!
By Any Means Necessary !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Its ironic that de name Gonzalo means “WAR” !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
In Shakesperean it means “The Tempest”.
Not exactly…believed to berived from a Gemanic name, The Germanic name mean’t War Elf.
While I am not a religious person, I have been finding myself thinking that if there is a God, perhaps he/she is trying to knock some sense into the inhabitants of this little island.
Because since Fay, I have seen the best side of Bermudians from all walks of life, out and about and helping one another without a second thought as to skin colour or political affiliations.
Because hurricanes are capable of thought…
here comes speedy Gonzales,
of course we need another lashing while we are down.
It is the same as the TUC lashing Bermuda while it is on its knees with “DEBT”
The difference of course is that there is no human control over storms.
Will someone please tell that to Mr. Walter Roban
Obviously the Bermuda Weather Service should have been far more professional when informing the general public of the possible threats we face prior to a hurricane as oppose to after the fact! Mr. Walter Roban seem to think it, (the damage caused) was the fault of the One Bermuda Alliance Government. Why can’t it be an act of God for all the ignorance we’ve been seeing lately? (Food For Thought)
The Bermuda Weather did advise the Bermuda Public that the storm could turn into a Hurricane as it passed Bermuda. Heard it and saw it myself on their website and on Mix 106.1 Just gotta listen more closely and pay attention
So when did de EMO meet, if they did.
Embarrassing and Pathetic !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kunta….you’ve been listening to hate radio I see
Here I find myself having to agree with this “Kunta” character
But for real, there were / are numerous other stations ways to inform the public of the possibilities not everyone has a computer like us. So in reality, there’d been a “hiccup” in transmitting / informing the vast majority of visitors and residence of this hurricane. Sad yes, but true
since you are using an online service to type your comment, you should be well aware in this day and age that you are responsible for your own self. Regardless of EMo or anything else, you can follow these storms on your own!Bermudians in particular know this was not their first rodeo. You are supposed to be prepared regardless. The damage is what it is and the only thing I would say that could have helped there, is had W&E and PArks been a little more trimmer happy with the trees post August rainfall…. It might have helped
It’s amazing that Roban waited until after the storm to voice his concerns, given that he apparently can see into the future.
I like huricanes i just hope the lights dont go off
I’ll bet you rent don’t you. You have no responsibilities, nothing to lose or get damaged, not a care in the world, only yourself to think about.
mmm , lower floor apartment with a gas stove and the only thing to their name is maybe a cell-phone and a 14 year old 2nd hand ex-rental bike parked outside.
Amazing how you can tell all that from one simple sentence!
I guess those are the people that someone referred to as Bottom Feeders. Your xenophobic stinks
smh, dont forget a degree, independence and a goal oriented mindset to understand that there is nothing wrong with being on the come up.. id like those added to my name along with those previously stated cheers
Oh be quiet Triangle Drifter.
I also LOVE storms/hurricanes and I own two houses. Of course, I don’t want anybody to get hurt or anything to get damaged. However, there is something about storms that I have loved since I was a child. There are plenty of people that love storms, in other countries you have storm chasers and even weather clubs. It has NOTHING to do with having no responsibilities or being selfish.
I swear you have nothing to do with your time but search for comments to nit pick at. You must be one miserable, cantankerous human being.
Points for using “cantankerous” in a Bernews comment.
Thank You S.D. I swear its one of the only things that puts political views, skin colour, and any other negative aspect aside and brings the entire island together! after such storm, there is always beauty!
You are one smug person. I can’t imagine you having friends or family. You are an entitled, elitist prick. Shut up!
To even say that they like hurricanes if they rent is beyond me. SMH
Way too early to be calling any firm predictions on this one, however pay attention, especially boaters. Just because your mooring held in Fay doesn’t mean it will for the next.
Uhhh, duh…you think?
Triangle Drifter is all knowing and perfect. He is only doing what’s right in his narcissistic mind by offering the great wisdom and knowledge only HE has.
I swear you have nothing to do with your time but search for comments to nit pick at. You must be one miserable, cantankerous human being.
Uh…Nope, it comes from years of experience on the water & off. Lost a boat in Fabian. Tornado hit it. Got house damage too.
Hurricanes were exciting & fun as a child. That was long ago & since there has been much growing up.
Hit us with your best shot storm Gonzalo! That’s what we need , a double lashing.
Um no. Don’t tempt God. Remember the Titanic.
God is a sicko if he sends storms, damages his churches and hurts people he is supposed to love.
I would close my shutters this time but I don’t have any left after Fay
last time I listen to Bermuda Weather Service…….. 45 knots LOL!
Bring it on… we will put it all back together. .. more work. ..
Keep an eye on it, but its 5 or 6 days away, I’ve never seen a Hurricane stay on the same course for 5 or 6 days. Bermuda is a speck of land, a slight movement and the hurricane is missing us by 150-200 miles.
You think!? CAT. 3 Direct Hit!!!!
Can you imagine how much a private company would charge government to clean up this mess? No to privitization there.
Bet i’d have power by now…wouldn’t be listening to my generator all night again.
How blessed you are to have a generator. Not everyone is as fortunate.
Scrape together 300 bucks and you can have one too – refurbished from Price Rite a few years ago.
(But thanks for pointing out that I am “blessed” because I’m smart enough to have a generator on an island in the middle of hurricane season. Enjoy your Iphone 6 during this storm. Me and my flip phone will be humming along to our generator.. jerk.)
power is private a$$ its from belco not goverment.
ummmmmm isnt BELCO a private company?
Yep. They would get it done with fewer people & in less time.
but at least it would have been cleaned up by now and power restored to everybody by now guaranteed if it was a private company run properly … also government would have been able to afford the bill since it would not have the usual overhead.
Another bit of swell & waves coming, can’t wait for the surf to be on again.
Hurricane PLP again?
TOSL . ..go look at the track for Fabian. ..Then come back an talk…
Again. Like United, we will weather the storm.
BWS really got it wrong, and now a storm days away and everybody’s in a panic, jeesh.
Could we wait till it leaves the Caribbean before we start a panic. Its Tuesday, and it could go anywhere, so say an prayer.
And… I’ll say it again…
The Bermuda Weather did advise the Bermuda Public that the storm could turn into a Hurricane as it passed Bermuda.
Heard it and saw it myself on their website and on Mix 106.1. You just gotta listen more closely and pay attention.
Umm, hey Einstein, we aren’t in a panic for the sake of a panic…we r basing our concerns on facts and projections that the professionals at NOAA are feeding us. Check out information sources like http://www.wunderground.com for some guidance….notice where it shows the storm becoming a Cat 4??? Feel free to panic. Or, just sit there and do nothing until Fri morning.
BWS really got it wrong, and now a storm days away and everybody’s in a panic, jeesh.
Could we wait till it leaves the Caribbean before we start a panic. Its Tuesday, and it could go anywhere, so say a prayer.
Thanks to Fahy the water is now cooler, so that will help slow it down.
Very unfortunate to get two back-to-back hurricanes from one week to the next!! Sometimes when it rains – it pours (No pun)!! Hurricane season officially ends on the 30 November… So anything can happen!!
I can’t ever recall that happening before over a 60 yr time period!! What are the odds??
Well technically it’s the same week…
Dear Gonzalo,
Your friend Fay gave us quite a scare during her visit to Bermuda and damaged and/or destroyed most of our property. We ask leniency from you during your visit as we are attempting to recover from her visit. (Giggle)
Seriously, I am going to be better prepared for Gonzalo’s visit because I took Fay’s visit very lightly. That will never happen again. I didn’t have major damage but this experience was certainly a wake up call. Sometimes it takes situations like this to make some of us Bermudians wake up and pay attention. Take nothing for granted.
Wishing my fellow Bermudians a safe week/end.
Thanks! Same to you!
Memorylo$$: I agree that people are panicking a bit early – but saying a prayer – that’s like sitting and doing nothing. Get prepared – get whatever you need to stay safe. But pray? Yeah right!! That’s like wishing the storm away.
What is the point of praying to a God for mercy – when he’s the one sending the storm? Sounds like he’s made up his mind huh!
you cant stop MOTHER nature. I just hope everybody will be safe & prepared. GOD BLESS OUR ISLAND.
God is cruel. He don’t like church roof.
God will watch and enjoy.
To all, be safe, get what you need, and prepare for the worst. Mother nature will do what it wants, just be ready for it. Stock up on supplies, batten down the hatches, and may we all get through without loss of life. Material things can be replaced.
Give thanks for small blessings. United don’t play until next Monday.
Here take this L(loss) just as United have been taking since fergie left last year!
Nice! Was worried the game might be Saturday.
It is in times of disaster that we come together as one and help each other in need. There are some , I repeat some people that have forgotten life is more than Ipads, cellphone and what they wear. It is only when one has to do without we are thankful for what little we do have. We should use this time to more kinder to each other for you never know whom you will need to help should things get worst.
A lot of countries wish they can complain about no electricity after a storm because they none. They have no traffic jam. They have to walk . I can go on but you understand. We are way too spoilt here.
In many of those countries they are also less stressed, less obese and as a whole have less health problems. So much for our wonderous luxury…
I have to agree, Sunday post storm and without electricity was one of the most relaxing and tranquil moments I’ve had a in a long time. Gotta love when mother nature forces you to take a time out.
Your absolutely right ! Pity as I travelled the length and breath of Bermuda , and as I looked up on every damaged roof , all I saw was kool aid drinking real Bermudians ! Nice to know they still have some value to Bermuda ‘s captains of industry !
The EMO failed with regards to Fay…….. They did not meet prior to its arrival as they were all too busy having a ball and getting a tattoo…… That’s a fact! Regardless of people making sure they were ready or not, the EMO failed in this case. Did any of the emergency services have ANYTHING in place prior to Fay hitting or did they scramble after the fact? I know the answer to that.
Where do Hurricanes come from ?
There are around 200 active volcanoes on the planet one of them recently spewed out more green house gasses in 4 days than the human race has ever created since the beginning of our time.
How is it BWS are saying TROPICAL STORM GONZALO yet the US news /weather are calling it a HURRICANE?? I prefer the US version… jokers here!!!
I think you need to learn how to read WHOLE articles before you comment. Clearly there are jokers here.
I can think of something even more ironic about your name Kunta !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kunta….
You are def. One of “THEM!!!”
Funny how some people do not believe in God then as soon as something bad happens it’s automatically God’s fault?
And blaming the OBA?! Nice. Though last time I checked, politics and meteorology were unrelated sciences.
I think it is funnier that people believe in God, then he tears the roof off their church and they try to pretend it was something else.
Has anyoner warned Greta and her “Family” that Hurricane G is approaching?
The E.M.O. has not sent out an engraved warning to her show with a personal appearance by the PLP as to how the ryling party created this storm thanks to their “anti-Bermudian” plan to devastate this Island.
Has the Premier had meetings all this week to inform the “public” what they should be doing with a Cat 3 Hurricane approaching? After all Common Sense is not all common, especially for folk who only get informed through Press Releases.
Two storms back to back in less than a week is very rare for Bermuda but…it has happened before in the 1850′s according to weather.com.
http://www.weather.com/news/weather-hurricanes/bermuda-two-tropical-cyclones-one-week-20141014
Whos Throwing De Hurricane Party bah
Once again is a cat 4 and slowed down ! good luck
EMERGENCY LIGHTING
Park you vehicle in a convenient safe lactation on your property. face your vehicle to where you will need light.
Start the engine to keep the battery charged.
Switch on the lights high beam.
This will provide temporary lighting prior to servicing your generator. ETC ETC.
WARNING WARNING WARNING WAAAAAAAAAAAARNING.
***DO NOT*** HOOK UP GENERATOR TO THE INTERNAL HOUSE WIRING.
KEEP YOUR SYSTEM AS SEPARATE PLUG IN.
GROUND YOUR GENERATOR CHASSIS.
READ YOUR GENERATOR MANUAL.
ALL GENERATORS BURN LOTS OF OIL.
CHECK OIL LEVEL OFTEN. DO NOT OVER FILL.
GAS: DO NOT OVER FILL.
TIME OUT YOU GAS TANK. TO 3/4 EMPTY. FILL TO #3/4 FULL.
UNPLUG ALL APPLIANCES …. BEFORE STOPPING.
RE~ START GENERATOR … THEN ADD BACK LARGE APPLIANCE FIRST.
GROUND GENERATOR CHASSIS WITH CABLE AND SET METAL ROD IN AT 25 DEGREES. Bermuda stone is not a good ground.
CARBON MONOXIDE CAN KILL… RUN GENERATOR IN OPEN SPACE.
DO NOT RUN GENERATOR ON THE RAIN.
IMPROPER USE OF GENERATOR CAN KILL.
READ YOUR GENERATOR MANUAL AGAIN.
STAY SAFE.