Hurricane Epsilon Remains A “Potential Threat”
[Updated] Epsilon – which has now strengthened into a hurricane — remains is a “potential threat to Bermuda”, the Bermuda Weather Service said, with its closest point of approach within 72 hours forecast to be 178 nm to the ENE at 11pm on Thursday [Oct 22], with the BWS noting that “this system may move closer to Bermuda after this time period depending upon its track.”
The BWS forecast states, “Hurricane Epsilon, currently to our distant southeast remains a potential threat to Bermuda. Expect hazardous seas and surf by this evening to persist into early Saturday before Epsilon exits to the north and conditions improve thereafter.”
Graphic courtesy of the BWS:
The latest forecast from the U.S. National Hurricane Center said, ” On the forecast track, the center of Epsilon is forecast to make its closest approach to Bermuda Thursday afternoon or evening.
“Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 85 mph [140 km/h] with higher gusts. Some additional strengthening is possible today, followed by little change in strength into the weekend.
“Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 25 miles [35 km] from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 435 miles [705 km] mainly to the north of the center. The estimated minimum central pressure is 976 mb [28.82 inches].”
Graphic courtesy of the NHC:
Update 12.10pm: The Bermuda Weather Service has now issued a Tropical Storm Warning.
Their forecast states, “A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect as Hurricane Epsilon several hundred miles to our southeast moves northwestward to be east of the Island tomorrow night into early Friday. Intensifying showers with tropical storm force wind will intermittently occur into Friday then ease thereafter as Epsilon exits to our north. Hazardous seas and surf can be expected over the next several days.”
