Emily: No Threat To Bermuda At This Time
The Bermuda Weather Service is closely monitoring Tropical Storm Emily and as of today [Aug.3] says that it is “not a threat to Bermuda at this time.”
The storm’s closest point of approach to the island within 72 hrs is forecast to be 759 nautical miles to the west-south-west at 6pm this coming Saturday [Aug.6]. Tropical Storm Emily – the fifth named storm of the 2011 Atlantic Season – presently has maximum sustained winds of 50 mph.
The storm name ‘Emily’ is one that many Bermudians still associate with the strike by Hurricane Emily in 1987 which caused widespread damage across the island.
While Bermuda looks to be spared the impact of the storm, other islands do not appear to be so fortunate.
CNN reports that: “In Haiti, where hundreds of thousands of people are still living in temporary quarters in the aftermath of the 2010 earthquake, residents braced themselves Wednesday for strong rains and winds as Tropical Storm Emily approached.”
“The government issued an alert advising residents that the storm’s heavy rains could produce dangerous flooding and mudslides.”
“As of Wednesday afternoon, the disorganized storm was about 60 miles south of Isla Beata, Dominican Republic, and was expected to dump heavy rains over the two countries.”
Five of Bermuda’s young tennis players and their coach are presently in the Dominican Republic for a tournament.
Chris Rego, James Finnigan, Christina Joynes, Taylor McHarg and Eva Frazzoni are all taking part in the Confederation of Tennis Central America and the Caribbean [COTECC] Junior Circuit in the Dominican Republic.
Yesterday Bermuda coach Brent Smith said, “In the coaches meeting today the approaching Tropical Storm Emily was discussed and arrangements were made with the hotel for all players and coaches to be secured in hotel’s save area until conditions improve if conditions warrant it.”
“Currently all our matches are finished for the day and we are heading back to the hotel were we will more than likely remain until the storm passes tomorrow morning,” continued Mr Smith.
Mr Smith concluded, “The other area of concern is our travel through Miami on Saturday as forecasters expect Emily could become a minimal hurricane off the east coast of Florida this weekend.”
1998 – “PLP WIN ELECTION – NO THREAT TO BERMUDA AT THIS TIME.” What a difference a decade makes. Blame it all on the recession. Bullsh*t!!!
I think they should have retired this name too. Didn’t Emily in 1988 cause severe damage?
yes but the storm actually has to claim lives before the name is retired.
No, not really. The country that suffered loss, whether loss of homes, people, or excessive damage, has to request the name be retired and then it will be. Emily did cause casualties but is not retired. Bermuda should request it.