Tropical Storm Rafael “Threat” To Bermuda

October 13, 2012

[Updated] Tropical Storm Rafael is a “potential threat” to the island, the Bermuda Weather Service said today [Oct 13]. Its closest point of approach to Bermuda within 72 hrs [3 days] is forecast to be 185 nm to the south at 12pm on Tuesday, October 16.

Rafael — the 17th named storm of the 2012 Atlantic hurricane season — has maximum sustained winds of 40mph and is moving NNW at 9mph, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center.

Tropical storm warnings have been issued for the U.S. and British Virgin Islands as well as for Anguilla, Barbuda, St. Kitts, Nevis, Antigua, St. Maartin, Martinique and St. Lucia.

Update Oct 14 12.56am: In their midnight update, the Bermuda Weather Service changed the wording from a “potential threat” to a “threat”.

Earlier they said it would pass 185nm off Bermuda, now they said the closest point of approach to Bermuda within 72 hrs is forecast to be 78nm to the ESE at 4pm on Tuesday October 16.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center said: “Maximum sustained winds are near 50 mph…85 km/h…with higher gusts. Some strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours and Rafael could become a hurricane by Monday.”

Update 7.08am: In their 6am update this morning, the BWS said Rafael’s closest point of approach to Bermuda within 72 hrs is forecast to be 107 nm to the ESE at 3pm on Tuesday Oct 16. More information here.

Read More About

Category: All, News

Comments (16)

Trackback URL | Comments RSS Feed

  1. carobbermuda says:

    Get crackin’, Rafael!!

  2. O Dear says:

    It is never any reason to post things such as this cause these hurricanes/storms never even hit (lol) – it’s the things that unannounced things that I’m worried about. expect the unexpected.

    Anyway back to Rafael… you know PTB will cxl the buses and ferries and gov schools will announce closures and GOV offices will close too smh.

    Bermuda ‘so much more’

    • Confused says:

      @ O Dear, u should never say never

    • Observant says:

      Why do I have this sinking feeling that you’ve just put your mouth right on it?

  3. Terry says:

    Sigh.

  4. Z says:

    I am not holding my breath…the last storm that was supposed to be a direct hit was some 182 miles off – yawn…..it would be awesome though (yes I am the weird Bermudian that likes storms!)

    • Keep going east Rafael says:

      If you actually ‘like’ storms and the accompanying damage and loss of electricity, in the heat of the summer nontheless, that they bring resulting in much discomfort and loss of refrigerated and frozen foods, then you must live in the rented lower floor apartment of a multi story house, not own a car or boat and have storm insurance on whatever little else you possess.

      Most people who went through Emily or Fabian heave a huge sigh of relief when one misses us now. Not express regret .

      • So tired says:

        I agree

      • Z says:

        Its the thrill of the storm itself not the after part, i could do without that, but we live on south shore over looking the water and it is cool so see the storm approaching. So before I get grilled about it from other people, its the thrill and nothing else.

    • Wishful Thinking says:

      Hey I like them too! I’m always wishing for these things to come. While I would never wish for something on the scale of Fabian, people need to remember just how prepared for these things Bermuda is. There’s nothing wrong hoping for a minimal hurricane if it provides a much needed day off :) there’s something about these things that bring my family together as well. We play board games and do other activities and make the most of being trapped indoors

  5. Mr Happy says:

    It will miss us to the east by 100 or so miles, just watch.

  6. New new says:

    It will never hit Bermuda at all any body can see that , we have wind today tomorrow we will probley have a bit of rain and then monday and Tuesday will be nothing . So don’t look for no storm it’s not commin

    • Triangle Drifter says:

      All the PLPs fault. Can’t attract business. Can’t attract visitors. Even storms don’t want to come near. Must be time for a change.

  7. Mike says:

    Wundeground.com is now showing a Cat 1 from Monday 2 AM through to Wed 2 AM.

    http://www.wunderground.com/tropical/tracking/at201217_5day.html

  8. Prayerful says:

    Triangle Drifter,

    You are a clown. Thanks for the humour.

    • Triangle Drifter says:

      Can’t be dead serious about everything & take every post at the literal word.