The Emergency Measures Organisation executive (EMO) met this morning to assess the impact on Bermuda from Hurricane Lee, which is on a track toward our general area later this week.
According to the Bermuda Weather Service (BWS) Hurricane Lee is a potential threat to Bermuda and is anticipated to pass by the west of the island on Friday morning.
Although precise wind timings are currently uncertain, residents and visitors in Bermuda should brace themselves for a range of weather-related effects from Thursday through Friday.
These effects may encompass sustained tropical storm force winds at 50 knots, accompanied by gusts ranging between 65 to 70 knots, hazardous surf conditions, swells, rip currents, turbulent seas, heavy showers, and the potential for thunderstorms.
As of the BWS 12 p.m. advisory today, Hurricane Lee is located 532 nautical miles to the south of Bermuda, moving northwest at 7 knots.
It is currently a Category 3 hurricane with maximum winds of 105 knots, gusting to 130 knots. The closest point of approach to Bermuda in the next 72 hours is forecasted to be 241 nautical miles to the south west of Bermuda at 12 p.m. on Thursday, 14 September.
Acting Minister of National Security Lt. Col. the Hon. David Burch, OBE (Mil), ED, JP, MP, stated: “We urge the public to remain vigilant and take proactive measures to prepare their homes and properties.
“Residents should have used this past weekend to prepare and secure their homes. If you have not done so, then now is the time to complete those preparations so that you are ready for Hurricane Lee.”
Teams from the Roadways Crew and Department of Parks are traversing the Island to address the most dangerous trees and foliage that need cutting.
The EMO will reconvene on Wednesday to make more substantive decisions once the forecast becomes more definitive. It is still too early to say whether Lee will affect public services.
In the meantime, we strongly encourage residents and visitors to stay informed and use this time to prepare their homes and businesses as safely as possible.
Monitor the Bermuda Weather Service, the official authority for Bermuda’s weather updates, on weather.bm.
The Department of Parks also wishes to issue a special advisory for beachgoers. Lifeguards at Horseshoe Bay Beach have raised the red flag, indicating a “high hazard” due to rough conditions, including powerful surf and dangerous rip currents.
Swimmers are discouraged from entering the water at Horseshoe Bay, especially in the western half, where swimming is prohibited due to the heavy presence of dangerous rip currents.
Beachgoers should exercise extreme caution if they enter the water on the eastern half of the beach.
The Ministry of National Security and the EMO will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
We encourage all residents to stay safe and informed and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their families.
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