HAMILTON – Residents prepared today for a battering from tropical-force winds as Hurricane Ophelia powered north on a path expected to take it around 120 miles east of Bermuda. A tropical storm watch is in effect for the island. Forecasters said that Ophelia was a “potential” threat to Bermuda and that the closest point of approach by Ophelia, a Category Three storm, was expected to be around 8 p.m. (local time).
The Bermuda Weather Service (BWS) warned of strong winds, rough surf, especially on the south shore, showers, and risk of thunder as Ophelia, the Atlantic season’s fourth hurricane, approached from the south. Ophelia, moving at 21 mph, is expected to weaken tomorrow after it passes Bermuda. “On Sunday, a cold front is expected to pass, bringing more showers and risk of thunder. Conditions will gradually settle into next week,” the BWS said. Meanwhile, forecasters say Tropical Storm Philippe is not expected to become a hurricane during the coming five days as it moves westward over the eastern and central Atlantic, but away from land. (CMC)
