Bertha Downgraded From Hurricane To Storm
[Updated: Not a threat to Bermuda]
Bertha has gained in strength and has been upgraded to a hurricane, the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami said today [Aug 4].
The Bermuda Weather Service said the storm is a “potential threat to Bermuda,” with its closest point of approach to Bermuda within 72 hrs forecast to be 325 nautical miles to the north-west at 6.00pm tomorrow.
Graph courtesy of the BWS, click to enlarge
In the forecast discussion, BWS forecaster Robert Howlett said, “NHC has maintained a distance of approximately 300nm to our NW through a majority of their advisories, which is close enough to be considered a potential threat, but no watches/warnings are expected at this time.”
The U.S. National Hurricane Center said the hurricane has maximum sustained winds near 80 mph [130 km/h] with higher gusts, however it is not expected to strengthen much during the next 24 hours.
The NHC said, “On the forecast track, Bertha will continue to move away from the Bahamas today and pass about midway between the U.S. East Coast and Bermuda on Tuesday.”
Update 9.21pm: In their latest update this evening, the BWS said the closest point of approach to Bermuda within 72 hrs is now forecast to be 304 nautical miles to the north-west at 8.00pm tomorrow.
Update Aug 5, 6.29am: In their 6am update, the BWS said the closest point of approach to Bermuda within 72 hrs is now forecast to be 356 nautical miles to the north-west at 7.00pm this evening.
Update 9.43am: Bertha has decreased in strength, and is now a Tropical Storm again.
Update 1.59pm: The BWS now says that Bertha is not a threat to Bermuda.
Calm before the storm????
That extra holiday everyone looks for between Cup Match and Labour Day may be on its way!