Karl: BWS Issue ‘Warning’ & EMO Hold Meeting
[Updated] The Minister of National Security Jeffrey Baron convened an Emergency Measures Organisation [EMO] meeting this afternoon in preparation for Tropical Depression Karl.
Karl is currently forecast to pass by the island early Saturday morning, and the Bermuda Weather Service said it is a “threat to Bermuda” and this afternoon they upgraded the ‘Tropical Storm Watch’ to a ‘Tropical Storm Warning.’
Graphic courtesy of the BWS:
“Current Bermuda Weather Service [BWS] reports have Karl’s closest point of approach to Bermuda at 88 nautical miles at 3:00 am Saturday morning, although forecasts remain uncertain,” a spokesperson said.
“The BWS also advised that Karl is currently a tropical depression with tropical storm force winds which extend from the centre into our region.
“Today’s EMO meeting, co-chaired by Police Commissioner Michael DeSilva, had in attendance Acting Governor Ginny Ferson, and key representatives from the Bermuda Regiment, the Bermuda Police Service, the Bermuda Fire & Rescue Service, the Ministries of Public Works, Tourism Development and Transport, Social Development and Sport together with representatives from BELCO and the Bermuda Hospitals Board.
“Issues discussed included ensuring that Government and relevant agencies were in step with emergency guidelines and were adequately prepared in advance of the storm.
“Residents are urged to make preparations tonight in anticipation of the storm, taking in outdoor furniture and topping up hurricane supplies. Boat owners are encouraged to secure their vessels this evening ahead of increased winds.”
Minister Baron said, “Today’s meeting was productive and served to confirm that all relevant agencies are prepared in the event of any change in the current forecast. Any system passing this close to us should not be taken lightly and the old saying ‘better safe than sorry’ should be our guide.
“Preparations should be made and all watches and warnings followed. Our aim is to provide as much information as possible to the public but overall we want people to be safe and prepared. Tomorrow’s early forecast will dictate many of our next steps but in the meantime residents can stay abreast of developments on www.weather.bm.”
The EMO said they will issue another advisory tomorrow afternoon.
Update 5.56pm: The NHC have just advised that Karl is now a Tropical Storm again, saying: “Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 40 mph [65 km/h] with higher gusts. Some strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours.”
“Tropical storm conditions are expected on Bermuda by Friday evening,” the NHC said. “Karl is expected to produce total rain accumulations of 1 to 3 inches over Bermuda through Saturday and early Sunday.”
The 6pm forecast from the BWS said that Karl’s closest point of approach to Bermuda within 72 hrs is now forecast to be 92nm to the south-south-east at 4am on Saturday Sept 24th.
In the forecast discussion, the BWS said, “As Karl’s forecast track still remains uncertain; strong winds [higher in exposed and elevated areas], showers, squalls, thunderstorms, and very rough seas creating hazardous surf are still expected across Bermuda and the marine area starting Friday afternoon/evening through Saturday afternoon. Conditions are expected to improve during Saturday afternoon/evening as Karl moves away from Bermuda towards the northeast.”
Update Sept 23, 6.15am: The Tropical Storm warning remains in effect, and the 6am BWS forecast says Karl is a “threat” and its closest point of approach to Bermuda within 72 hrs is forecast to be 54nm to the SSE at 3am on Saturday, Sept 24.
The 6am NHC forecast says, “On the forecast track, the center of Karl should pass near or to the east of Bermuda late tonight or early Saturday.
“Data from Air Force and NOAA Hurricane Hunter planes indicate that the maximum sustained winds have increased to near 60 mph [95 km/h] with higher gusts.”
:Some additional strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours, and Karl could become a hurricane on Saturday as it moves away from Bermuda.
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Winter storm.
No, it’s a tropical storm. Very different storms, and very different weather conditions. Winds should be about the strength of a strong winter storm, but Karl will bring more hazardous surf and more rain.
If its not over a Cat 4 ya wasting my time.Yaaaawwwwnnn
Minister Baron said “Today’s meeting was productive”.
And after a few words arryone said dee trucks and tarps are raddy.
Think about it folks.
True true! Where is the blue milk?!?!?!
Forget the breeze, and lets talk about where all the blue milk gone.
Premier Dunkley gave Minister Baron the National Security portfolio. Don’t start up any innuendo.
Getting paid $2000 a week for repeating second hand information.
LMFAO
any word on flight cancellations?
Cable sucks!! Ch 4 on the blind already? Wth
Change ya server complainers…always complaining bout something start your own cable company then..cause you can’t! So stfu