~ Current weather forecasts indicate Nicole will be a strong, slow moving Category 1 hurricane ~
The Bermuda Weather Service (BWS) is advising that the Island is currently under a Hurricane Watch as Tropical Storm Nicole is forecast to intensify into a hurricane tomorrow as it approaches Bermuda.
Late this afternoon, the Minister of National Security, Sen. Jeffrey Baron convened an Emergency Measures Organisation (EMO) to assess and review Government’s emergency protocols as well as get the latest weather updates associated with TS Nicole.
According to this evening’s (6pm) BWS report, Nicole’s closest point of approach to Bermuda is forecast to be within 25 nm (or directly over) of the Island, 9.00 a.m. Thursday, Oct 13.
It is expected to be a strong Category 1 hurricane with sustained winds of 80 knots with gusts to 100 knots.
And the EMO is urging residents to ensure that their storm preparations are complete.
This evening, the Minister of National Security, Sen. Jeffrey Baron said, “Nicole is a serious threat to Bermuda, and we cannot afford to have complacency with this storm. The Bermuda Weather Service has confirmed that this will be a strong, slow moving Category 1 hurricane and I cannot emphasize enough the critical importance of residents securing their homes and completing their preparations well in advance of this storm.”
The BWS advises that Bermuda can expect to experience hazardous conditions including heavy rain, thunderstorms, hurricane force winds, increasing seas and dangerous surf currents associated with the storm.
Minister Baron advised that the EMO will convene another meeting tomorrow and following that meeting the public will be advised regarding further public safety, storm and public service advisories.
To follow the storm’s progress, residents can visit weather.bm for the latest updates.