Tropical Storm Leslie A “Potential Threat”
[Updated] Tropical Storm Leslie is a potential threat to the island the Bermuda Weather Service said today [Sept 3]. Its closest point of approach to Bermuda within 72 hrs is forecast to be 273 nm to the south south-east at 12 pm Thursday [Sep 6].
The U.S. National Hurricane Center said Leslie is presently 551 miles south of Bermuda, and is moving towards the north north-west at 8mph. Its maximum sustained winds remain near 60mph with higher gusts.
BWS Forecaster Fred Byrley said: “As TS Leslie moves closer to Bermuda, an increasing in winds, light to moderate (8-12kt) on Monday, becoming moderate (12-18kt) by Tuesday and a building southeasterly swell Monday night.
“Seas have remained slight but are expected to build moderate to rough (6-10ft) Monday night and become rough (8-12ft) by Tuesday. Latest OPC Atlantic analyses have us in a 3-4 foot area. Buoy to our west (41048) has recorded around 2.5-3 foot seas all night.
“The buoy to 306 miles to our south-southeast (41049) is recording 14 foot seas. A Small Craft Warning is in affect from Monday evening through Tuesday night due to the build southeasterly swell. These swells will potentially creating hazardous surf and rip currents along south shores. All other watches/warnings will be issued as conditions warrant with the approach of TS Leslie.”
Update Tues Sept 4, 8.30am: The BWS continues to say that Leslie is a “potential threat” to Bermuda, and in their latest update said the closest point of approach to Bermuda within 72 hrs is forecast to be 283 nm to the SSE at 6am on Friday [Sept 7].
The BWS said: “Tropical Storm Leslie to our south-southeast remains a potential threat as it is expected to slowly approach through the week. Mainly fine conditions should prevail through Thursday, though rough swells will produce hazardous surf and rip tides all week in advance of Leslie. Expect deteriorating conditions Friday as Leslie draws nearer.”
The latest graph from the BWS is below:
Keep a very careful eye on this one.
agreed – some of the models have leslie strengthening considerably and moving very close to Bermuda by the weekend.
Please Bernews update the map! Checked weather channel projected to be a category 2 or 3
Thanks, we just updated with the new one, and will keep a close eye on this…
http://www.weather.bm/maps/bwswtnt22.jpg
This storm seems to be playing games with the forecast. Looks like a cat 2 storm this weekend. Buckle down Bermuda and stay safe.