Tropical Storm Gert Closest Approach: 10am
[Updated - Tropical Storm Watch has been cancelled - scroll to bottom for latest]
As of 6am today [Aug.15] the Bermuda Weather Service says that Tropical Storm Gert is 93 nautical miles away, and the closest point of approach to Bermuda will be at 9am  - when it passes 81 nautical miles to our east.
A Thunderstorm Advisory and Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect, and the BWS forecast for today says: “Tropical Storm Gert will pass to our near east mid-morning with strong winds, squally showers and a risk of thunder.”
“Tropical storm force winds are most likely in the eastern marine area. Winds and showers will begins to ease this afternoon, and conditions will gradually settle throughout the week.”
“Cloudy,morning showery rain & risk thunder, easing afternoon. Winds east-southeasterly moderate, soon increasing northeasterly strong to gale force with gusts to gale force, strongest winds to the east, backing northwesterly moderate to strong with gusts to gale force in the afternoon.”
At 5am the U.S. National Hurricane Center said Gert was about 105 miles south-east of Bermuda, and was carrying maximum sustained winds of 60mph [95km] with higher gusts. They said it is expected to strengthen further over the next 48 hours.
Update 9:00am: All arriving and departing flights to LF Wade are showing scheduled as normal.
Update 9:15amThe BWS Tropical section said the closest point of approach to Bermuda has passed, however they also forecast “Tropical Storm Gert will pass to our near east mid-morning with strong winds and showers, possible rain squalls and a risk of thunder.” On their latest update, the NHC said “The center of Gert is expected to pass just east of Bermuda later today.”
Update 9:40am: Changed again, at 9:30am the BWS said Gert’s closest point of approach to Bermuda is at 10am when it will be 78nm to the east.
Update 12:10pm: The 12 noon BWS update said Tropical Storm Gert is no longer a threat to Bermuda, and that the closest point of approach has passed. They have also removed the Tropical Storm Watch.
- First graphic courtesy of BWS [6am update], second NHC [5am update]
