Hurricane watch now in effect for Bermuda as Earl churns closer

Earl was packing sustained winds of 100 mph on Wednesday night and Weather forecasters say it will intensify further as it passes by the islands of Bermuda to the east.

As of  Wednesday 6.00 p.m. update Hurricane Earl was located around 350 nm south of Bermuda, moving north at 7 knots.

It’s anticipated that Earl’s closest point of approach within the next 72 hours will be 12.00 am Friday morning, when it’s forecast to be some 99 nm ESE of Bermuda.

As indicated earlier today by the Minister of National Security, Michael Weeks, the Emergency Measures Organisation (EMO) continues to closely monitor the current weather conditions, which are expected to deteriorate later tomorrow and continue into the early hours of Friday morning. (The full 6.00 p.m. update can be found hereBermuda Weather Service)

As a public safety measure, late this afternoon, the Department of Parks posted High Surf Warning signs along the south shore beaches, from John Smith’s Bay to Whale Bay. Signs have been also posted at Clearwater, Turtle Beach and at Cooper’s Island. In that regard, beach goers should still use extreme caution should they choose to swim along the south shore.

The Parks Department continues to assess sea conditions and will provide updates as the weather develops.

While Minister Weeks noted today that public services will be operating per normal tomorrow, the EMO will be meeting in the morning to assess the latest track of Hurricane Earl.

Following that meeting Minister Weeks will update the community regarding any changes in services. The Minister also advised that he will share information with local media partners in scheduled interviews tomorrow at 8.45 am and at 1.30 pm.

As a reminder, to help residents in getting storm ready, they should:

  • Make any small repairs around their home.
  • Secure outdoor furniture.
  • Review family plans and update them with any changes to phone numbers and other important information.
  • Stock up on any medical prescriptions that your family and pets require and ensure you have at least two weeks supply on hand.
  • Check your hurricane kit to make sure you have working flashlights, a portable radio with spare batteries and a stock of non-perishable food to last your family for seven days.
  • Ensure your house insurance policy is up to date.
  • Check on your vulnerable neighbours and ask them if they need any help with their preparations.

Residents are encouraged residents to stay abreast of ‎updates regarding Hurricane Earl by visiting any of the following:

  • Televised weather updates: One Comm Ch. 4 and WOW Ch. 100.

  • Government’s Emergency Broadcast station is on 100.1 FM.

  • Government Facebook – @BermudaGovernment

  • Facebook.com/bermudagovernment

  • Government Twitter: @BdaGovernment

Twitter.com/bdagovernment

  • Government Instagram: @BermudaGovernment

Instagram.com/bermudagovernment

  • Government WhatsApp: 441-504-6045

Chat on WhatsApp with Government of Bermuda: https://wa.me/14415046045

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