Tropical Storm Humberto is expected to be upgraded to a hurricane later tonight (Sunday) and is now considered a potential threat to Bermuda as the storm moves on an easterly curve heading for the local area.
While it remains too early to tell, which way this storm will go, as of noon today, Humberton was expected to be 373 kilometres or 232 miles west of Bermuda by midday on Wednesday as a Category 2 hurricane.
But based on the current models, the storm could come closer to the island after Wednesday.
Forecasters at the National Hurricane Centre (NHC) say the storm is moving north at 7 mph, but it is expected to make a sharp turn to the northeast on Monday, packing maximum sustained winds near 100 kph (65 mph), with gusts even higher.
National Security Minister Wayne Caines said today that the Emergency Measures Organisation (EMO) is monitoring the storm closely.
“The EMO is prepared and stands ready to convene should the weather system’s forecasted track pose a threat to Bermuda,” he said.
“I take this opportunity to remind the public that Bermuda is in the midst of hurricane season. I strongly encourage the public to revisit your business, household and family preparedness plans.”
At this stage, the NHC said: “The storm is forecast to continue moving away from the Bahamas and remain well offshore of Florida’s east coast through Wednesday.
“The storm will generate swells that will affect the northwestern Bahamas and the US coast from east-central Florida to North Carolina during the next few days. The swells could cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.”
Still reeling from the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Dorian, an estimated 3,900 evacuees were processed through south Florida by air and sea during the past week.
US officials said: “The number includes US citizens, legal residents, Bahamians and people from other countries who evacuated the islands after the storm hit.”
Meanwhile, Palm Beach County, Florida, has begun enrolling displaced students fleeing Dorian’s damage.
A district spokeswoman said: “Backpacks loaded with school supplies are being provided to the students by the Education Foundation of Palm Beach County, which plans to open its school supply store so evacuated families can shop for free.”
