Weather Service Issues Tropical Storm Watch
[Updated] Tropical Storm Epsilon remains a “potential threat to Bermuda”, the Bermuda Weather Service said, with its closest point of approach to Bermuda within 72 hours forecast to be 171 nm to the east at 6am on Friday [Oct 23], with the BWS noting that “this system may move closer to Bermuda after this time period depending upon its track.”
Their forecast states, “Tropical Storm Epsilon to the distant southeast is a potential threat to Bermuda. It is forecast to gradually approach the area later this week, introducing the likelihood of gale/tropical storm force winds, rain and showers, and the chance of thunder.”
Graphic courtesy of the BWS:
The latest forecast from the U.S. National Hurricane Center said, “At 500 AM AST [0900 UTC], the center of Tropical Storm Epsilon was located near latitude 25.6 North, longitude 54.7 West. Epsilon is moving toward the east-northeast near 3 mph [6 km/h]. A turn toward the north and northwest is expected later today, with a general northwestward motion expected through Thursday. On the forecast track, Epsilon is forecast to approach Bermuda on Thursday.
“Maximum sustained winds are near 45 mph [75 km/h] with higher gusts. Gradual strengthening is expected during the next couple of days, and Epsilon is forecast to be at or near hurricane strength by Wednesday night or Thursday morning. Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 275 miles [445 km] from the center.
Graphic courtesy of the NHC:
Update 1.40pm: The Bermuda Weather Service has now issued a Tropical Storm Watch.
