Tropical Depression Karl Is “Potential Threat”
[Updated] Karl — which has currently been downgraded from a Tropical Storm to a Tropical Depression — remains a “potential threat to Bermuda” the BWS said, with its closest point of approach to the island within 72 hrs forecast to be 131nm to the south-east at 6.00am on Saturday, Sept 24.
The U.S. National Hurricane Center said, “The depression is moving toward the west near 14 mph [22 km/h], but a west-northwest to northwest motion at a slightly faster forward speed is expected through Thursday.
“Maximum sustained winds have decreased to near 35 mph [55 km/h] with higher gusts. Additional weakening is possible today, but some restrengthening is forecast to occur in a day or two.
Graphic courtesy of the NHC:
The Bermuda Weather Service said Karl is “a potential threat to Bermuda,” and in their forecast discussion, BWS Forecaster Ken Smith said, “As TS Karl continues to approach it is forecast to become a hurricane by Friday evening.
“Karl is a potential threat to Bermuda and may well become a threat overnight Friday night as the current Forecast Advisory curves the system northeastward, bringing it within 100nm to our southeast late Friday night/Saturday morning.”
Graphic courtesy of the BWS:
Update 12.14pm: The 12pm update from the BWS continues to say Karl remains a “potential threat to Bermuda,” and its closest point of approach to Bermuda within 72 hrs is forecast to be 154nm to the ESE at 9am on Saturday, Sept 24.
The 12pm NHC update said, “Maximum sustained winds are near 35 mph [55 km/h] with higher gusts. Little change in strength is forecast during the next day or so, but some strengthening is expected on Thursday.”
Update 6.45pm: The 6pm update from the BWS continues to say Karl remains a “potential threat to Bermuda,” and its closest point of approach to Bermuda within 72 hrs is forecast to be be 149 nm to the south-east at 9am on Saturday, Sept 24.
The 6pm NHC update said that “interests in Bermuda should monitor the progress of Karl,” and Karl’s maximum sustained winds currently near 35 mph [55 km/h] with higher gusts, and “some strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours.”
Update 7.32pm: Minister of National Security Jeffrey Baron said, “Although Karl has been downgraded to a tropical depression, forecasters indicate that it remains a potential threat to Bermuda.
“The BWS updates the forecast every six hours and so I would recommend that residents continue to watch the development of this system. The Emergency
Measures Organisation is set to meet tomorrow afternoon and further advisories as necessary will be issued after that meeting and based on subsequent forecasts.”
