EMO Provides Update On Tropical Storm Leslie

September 8, 2012

The Emergency Measures Organisation provided an update today [Sept 8], saying Leslie expected to intensify into a Category 1 Hurricane as it passes Bermuda within the next 24 hours bringing tropical storm force winds with it.

As of 6pm advisory, Leslie is located 210 nautical miles to our SE and is moving in a northerly direction at 7 knots, and the closest point of approach is forecast to be 142 nautical miles to the east at noon on Sunday.

Our latest Tropical Storm Leslie videos, click to view:

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Bermuda can expect Tropical Storm force winds [above 34 knots] to begin impacting the island early on Sunday morning. A Tropical Storm Watch remains in effect meaning tropical storm winds are forecast to affect Bermuda and our marine area within 48 hours.

As of 6pm, there are no plans to close the airport, however officials will continue to closely monitor the storm should any change in conditions warrant a closure.

The following flight cancellations and changes have been confirmed:

  • American Airlines Flight AA308 from MIA and AA1416 from JFK have been cancelled for this evening
  • AA1325 to MIA and AA1443 to JFK have been cancelled outbound tomorrow morning.
  • Delta flights 561/560 from Boston have been cancelled as have Delta flights 656/657 from Atlanta.
  • US Airways flights 1424/1425 from Philadelphia have been cancelled.
  • Air Canada flights AC942/943 from Toronto have been cancelled for Sunday, 9th September 2012.
  • West Jet WS2710/2711 from Toronto on Sunday will be delayed, estimated time of arrival of 7pm
  • British Airways flight BA 2232 arrived early at 4.30 p.m. from London and is expected to depart at 6.20 p.m. this evening.

The Department of Waste Management has advised that the Public Drop Off at the Tynes Bay Waste to Energy Facility will be closed on Sunday. Buses will continue to run on Saturday unless sustained winds exceed 40 knots, and ferries will not operate on Sunday.

The Department of Marine and Ports has also advised that the cruise ship Norweigan Star will delay their arrival in Bermuda but expect to berth in Dockyard late Monday afternoon.

The full statement from the EMO follows below:

Emergency Measures Organisation Provides Update on Tropical Storm Leslie

The Hon. Wayne Perinchief J.P., M.P., Minister of National Security today provided an update on Tropical Storm Leslie.

The latest forecast from the Bermuda Weather Service (BWS) shows that Leslie remains a Tropical Storm. However, the latest information from the Bermuda Weather Service (BWS), in consultation with the National Hurricane Centre in Miami, is that Leslie is expected to intensify into a Category 1 Hurricane as it passes Bermuda within the next 24 hours.

As of the 6 p.m. advisory, TS Leslie is located 210 nautical miles to our SE and is moving in a northerly direction at 7 knots.

The closest point of approach is forecast to be 142 nautical miles to the east at 12 noon on Sunday, September 9.

Bermuda can expect Tropical Storm force winds (above 34 knots) to begin impacting the island early on Sunday morning.

A Tropical Storm Watch remains in effect meaning tropical storm winds are forecast to affect Bermuda and our marine area within 48 hours.

Minister Perinchief said: “Bermuda seems to have escaped the worst of Tropical Storm Leslie. However, we should by no means let our guard down as we are still expecting strong winds and rain as well as dangerous ocean conditions overnight and well into Sunday. I urge the public to remain cautious and tune into updates from the Bermuda Weather Service and EMO that will be disseminated through local media and updated on our website at www.emobermuda.com.”

Updated information for the public includes:

The Emergency shelter at Cedarbridge academy will now not open on Saturday, September 8 at 12 p.m. but remains in a state of readiness should it be required. A contact number for the shelter is 292 6339.

The Ministry of Education has advised that schools will open for Principals and teachers on Monday, September 10 and students will return on Tuesday, September 11. The Ministry has further advised that those school days lost will be made up later in the school year.

The Causeway will remain open unless sustained winds exceed 50 knots.

The re-opening of Government offices will be advised after the passage of the storm.

As of 6 p.m. Saturday, based on the latest weather forecast, there are no plans to close the LF Wade International Airport at this time. However, Airport Operations officials will continue to closely monitor the storm should any change in conditions warrant a closure. Passengers booked to travel Sunday or Monday are encouraged to contact their respective airlines.

The following flight cancellations and changes have been confirmed:

American Airlines Flight AA308 from MIA and AA1416 from JFK have been cancelled for this evening, Saturday September 08th, 2012, due to the weather conditions. As a result the AA1325 to MIA and AA1443 to JFK have also been cancelled outbound tomorrow morning.

Delta flights 561/560 from Boston have been cancelled as have Delta flights 656/657 from Atlanta.

US Airways flights 1424/1425 from Philadelphia have been cancelled.

Air Canada flights AC942/943 from Toronto have been cancelled for Sunday, 9th September 2012.

West Jet flight WS2710/2711 from Toronto on Sunday, September 9 will be delayed with an estimated time of arrival of 7.p.m

British Airways flight BA 2232 arrived early at 4.30 p.m. from London and is expected to depart at 6.20 p.m. this evening.

The Department of Waste Management has advised that the Public Drop Off at the Tynes Bay Waste to Energy Facility will be closed on Sunday, September 9.

Concerning public transportation, buses will continue to run on Saturday, September 8 unless sustained winds exceed 40 knots. The Sea Express Ferry Service will not operate on Sunday, September 9.

The Department of Marine and Ports has also advised that the cruise ship Norweigan Star will delay their arrival in Bermuda but expect to berth in Dockyard late Monday afternoon. Ferries and buses will be available to transport passengers.

Although the latest forecast shows the island will not experience hurricane force winds residents are still advised to check their emergency kits to be sure supplies are adequate. A typical emergency kit would include items such as flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, non–perishable foods, an ample water supply and disposable utensils. An updated Disaster Advisory Plan is posted on the Government Portal on the Ministry of Health website.

For more information on Hurricane Leslie, residents can tune in to or log on to the following:

Hurricane preparedness: www.emobermuda.com

Online weather updates: www.weather.bm

Televised weather updates: CableVision Ch. 4 and WOW Ch. 100

For The Public Forecast: Dial 977

For The Current Observation: Dial 9771

For The Marine Forecast Dial: 9772

For Latest Warnings & Tropical Information: Dial 9773

Government’s Emergency Broadcast station is on 100.1 FM.

Hurricane season officially began June 1, and concludes on November 30, 2012.

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