HAMILTON – A tropical storm watch was posted for Bermuda as Hurricane Larry continues to head towards the British overseas territory.
Forecasters predicted that Larry, a Category 3 hurricane, packing winds of 115 miles an hour winds on Wednesday morning, will pass on Thursday around 170 miles east-northeast of the island, but storm conditions could still cause problems on the island.
The Bermuda Weather Service (BWS) said conditions are expected to deteriorate on Wednesday through Thursday with strengthening winds and rain.
Larry is expected to be a Category 2 storm when it passes the island.
The BWS said hazardous swells are expected, particularly along the South Shore, with dangerous surf and rip currents.
At 6 a.m. (local time) on Wednesday, Larry was situated 603 miles southeast of Bermuda and moving northwest at about 10mph.
National Security Minister Renee Ming said the Emergency Measures Organisation (EMO) met twice to discuss the storm, and the hurricane was forecast to pass “well to our east” and no interruption of government services was expected.
“However, from a storm preparation standpoint, we should not become complacent,” Ming said. “We are advising residents to prepare for possible tropical storm-force winds on Thursday and expect increasing swells along the South Shore.”
She said the EMO would meet again on Thursday and appealed to the public to make sure they were prepared.
(CMC)
