Tropical Storm Watch Upgraded To Warning
The Bermuda Weather Service upgraded the Tropical Storm Watch to a Tropical Storm Warning at 11.30am today [Oct 15], which indicates that Tropical Storm force winds are expected to affect Bermuda within 36 hours or less.
The BWS said that Tropical Storm Rafael’s closest point of approach to Bermuda within 72 hrs [3 days] is forecast to be 118 nm to the ESE at 10pm tomorrow [Oct 16].
The U.S. National Hurricane Center said Rafael is presently 645 miles south of Bermuda, moving NNW at 9mph. The storm has maximum sustained winds near 70 mph, and some strengthening is forecast and Rafael could become a hurricane today or tonight.
Yesterday, Minister of National Security and Chairman of the EMO Wayne Perinchief said: “The storm is expected to strengthen to a Category 1 hurricane as it passes the island so I urge residents to be prepared and monitor the storm for any change in strength and direction.”
The Bermuda Government Emergency Measures Organisation [EMO] held a meeting today, and are expected to issue a statement later on.
