The Minister of National Security, the Hon. Renee Ming, JP, MP, provided the following update regarding Hurricane Epsilon.
Minister Ming said, “The Emergency Measures Organisation (EMO) determined that a meeting wasn’t required today, however I can advise that we’ve been keeping a close eye on the forecast track of Hurricane Epsilon.
“The Bermuda Weather Service (BWS) advised that a Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect, and as of the 12 noon advisory, Hurricane Epsilon was currently located about 200nm / 370km to the east-southeast of Bermuda. Epsilon has weakened to a Category 1 storm, and the centre of Epsilon remains confidently forecast to pass east of Bermuda. The closest point of approach is now predicted to be 158 nm / 290km to the east-northeast around 2.00 am early Friday morning. The forecast remains that we will only occasionally experience marginal tropical storm force sustained winds of 30-40 knots, and 50-knot winds are not anticipated. Winds will continue reaching tropical storm force periodically through tonight, into Friday.”
Minister Ming continued, “Of particular note, there continue to be large swells associated with Hurricane Epsilon, and we are again urging people to stay out of the water. Residents will note that there are Dangerous Surf Advisory signs posted at our south shore beaches, so in the interest of safety we ask people to please adhere to these warnings.”
The public is aware that hurricane season concludes on November 30, and the Minister continues to encourage all residents to take the appropriate steps to ensure that they are adequately prepared in the event of serious storm.
The public is reminded that they can get the latest weather updates at www.weather.bm.