Ophelia Strengthens: Category 3 Hurricane

[Updated] Hurricane Ophelia – which is forecast to pass 123 nautical miles to our east tomorrow – has strengthened to a category 2 hurricane.

In their latest update this morning [Sept.30], the U.S. National Hurricane Center said, “Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 105 mph…165 km/h…with higher gusts. Ophelia is a category two hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Some additional strengthening is possible during the next 48 hours.”

The Bermuda Weather Service [BWS] issued a Tropical Storm Watch yesterday afternoon [Sept.29], saying Hurricane Ophelia is a ‘potential threat’ to Bermuda. Its closest point of approach to Bermuda within 72 hrs is forecast to be 123 nautical miles to the east at 8pm tomorrow [Oct.1].

“Early Saturday then sees Hurricane Ophelia approaching from the south with quickly deteriorating conditions. Expect strong winds, frequent showery rain and some embedded thunder, as Ophelia passes by just over 100 miles to our east later on Saturday. Heavy surf is also likely along the South Shore,” said the BWS.

Update 2.04pm: The U.S. National Hurricane Center’s latest update said Ophelia is now a Category 3 hurricane, with maximum sustained winds of near 115 mph [185 km/h].

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