Philippe To Make Closest Approach On Friday
[Updated] Tropical Storm Phillipe is a “threat to Bermuda”, the Bermuda Weather Service said, with its closest point of approach to Bermuda within 72 hours forecast to be 82 NM to the west at 2:00pm on Friday [Oct 6], with the BWS noting that “this system may move closer to Bermuda after this time period.”
Graphic courtesy of the BWS:
The latest forecast from the U.S. National Hurricane Center said, “At 1100 AM AST [1500 UTC], the center of Tropical Storm Philippe was located near latitude 25.6 North, longitude 66.3 West. Philippe is moving toward the north near 12 mph [19 km/h], and this general motion with an increase in forward speed is expected to continue through late Saturday.
“A turn toward the north-northwest is possible Saturday night or early Sunday. On the forecast track, the center of Philippe will near or just west of Bermuda on Friday, and then reach the coast of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, or eastern Maine Saturday night.
“Data from an Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft indicate that maximum sustained winds have increased to near 50 mph [85 km/h] with higher gusts. Little change in strength is forecast during the next day or two. ”
Graphic courtesy of the NHC:
The Government has not yet advised of any measures to be taken, however it is likely they will provide an update today with any relevant details.
Update Oct 5, 12pm: The Bermuda Weather Service said, “Tropical Storm Philippe is on its final approach to Bermuda. We can expect associated rain with embedded heavier showers and isolated thunderstorms to arrive this afternoon. Tropical storm force winds arrive after midnight and Philippe is expected to pass Bermuda at 2pm Friday. However this may change over the next few forecasts.
“Please find the latest details at www.weather.bm and detailed information on TS Philippe at www.nhc.noaa.gov Stay safe and stay informed.”
