Tropical Storm Warning Issued, Leslie Approaching

[Updated] The Bermuda Weather Service [BWS] has issued a tropical storm warning for today [Sept 8], and said that Tropical Storm Leslie’s closest point of approach to Bermuda within 3 days is forecast to be 164nm to the east at 1pm tomorrow [Sept 9].

In their 5am update this morning, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said Leslie is 325 miles south south-east off Bermuda, and moving towards the north at 5mph with maximum sustained winds are near 65mph [100km/h].

The NHC said: “Maximum sustained winds are near 65 mph [100 km/h] with higher gusts. Some gradual strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours and Leslie could regain hurricane status over the weekend.”

Yesterday’s update from the Emergency Measures Organisation said we are expected to be spared a direct impact from a hurricane and that “weekend activities can follow their normal pattern with the exception that all warnings for the use of our beaches.”

The CedarBridge Emergency Shelter will not open today but remains ready, schools will open for students on Tuesday [Sept 11], the Causeway will remain open unless sustained winds exceed 50 knots, buses will continue to run on today unless sustained winds exceed 40 knots and ferries will not be running today or Sunday.

Update 10.32pm: British Airways has announced that as there are no plans to close the airport on Sunday [Sept 10], they will operate to schedule.

Update 9.26pm: A Government spokesperson said: “The Department of Public Transportation has cancelled bus service tomorrow in anticipation of winds exceeding limits designated as safe for operating their vehicles. A decision on resumption of service will be made tomorrow based on weather updates.”

Update 8.01pm: Live stream now over, as the sun has set. We will resume streaming tomorrow morning.

Update 7.08pm: 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. Read the full statement here.

Update 6.30pm: Slideshow below of the conditions today at Astwood Park, Horseshoe Bay and John Smiths Bay

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Update 5.33pm: In their 5pm update, the NHC said Leslie is now 240 miles off Bermuda and is still moving at 8mph with maximum sustained winds near 65 mph [100 km/h]. “There a strong likelihood that Leslie will regain hurricane status on Sunday,” the NHC said.

Update 3.07pm: In their 3pm update, the NHC said Leslie is now 265 miles off Bermuda and is still moving at 8mph with maximum sustained winds near 65 mph [100 km/h].

“Rainbands approaching Bermuda,” said the NHC. “There is a strong likelihood that Leslie will regain hurricane status in the next day or two. Tropical storm conditions are expected on Bermuda by early Sunday, however squalls — occasionally strong — should begin later today.”

Update 2.56pm: WEDCo said the restaurants, Clayworks, Art Centre, Craft Market are all open today and plan to be open tomorrow.

Update 2.30pm: The arriving AA308 from Miami and AA1416 from JFK have been cancelled for this evening [Sept 8] and the departing AA1325 to Miami and AA1443 to JFK have also been cancelled for tomorrow morning.

Update 1.30pm: In their 12pm update the BWS said Leslie’s closest point is forecast to be 143 nm to the east at 1pm tomorrow. The NHC’s latest update said Leslie is 290 miles off Bermuda and moving at 8mph with maximum sustained winds near 65 mph [100 km/h]. “Weather should begin to deteriorate in Bermuda soon,” said the NHC.”First squalls already approaching.”

Update 1.01pm: Delta and U.S. Airways have cancelled their flights for tomorrow [Sept 9]. Delta has cancelled flight #656 from Atlanta on at 2:53pm and flight #560 departing for Boston at 12:10pm, while US Airways cancelled flight #1424 arriving from Philadelphia at 1:44pm.

Update 10.30am Video of surf conditions in Smiths at 8.30am this morning

Update 10.20am: With Hurricane Leslie lurking and threatening somewhere to the east,the City of Hamilton has a half-closed look and feel. No ferries are running, but the bus service is still functioning. Some buildings are fully boarded up, some half-boarded, some not all. Car parks are not packed, but not empty either.

#HurricaneLeslie #Weather

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