Updated: Sep 11, 2023 03:12 PM
Lieutenant-Colonel David Burch, the Acting Minister of National Security leads a meeting of the Emergency Measures Organisation executive (Photograph supplied)
Hurricane Lee is now a potential threat to the island, the Bermuda Weather Service is reporting.
The Emergency Measures Organisation executive met this morning to assess the impact on Bermuda from the storm which will be tracking towards our general area later this week.
Lee is expected to to pass by the west of the island on Friday morning.
According to the Bermuda Weather Service’s 12pm advisory today, Hurricane Lee is located 405 miles south of Bermuda, moving northwest at 8mph.
At present, it is a Category 3 hurricane with maximum winds of 121mph, gusting to 150mph.
The closest point of approach to Bermuda in the next 72 hours is expected to be 271 miles to the southwest of Bermuda at noon on Thursday.
While exact wind timings remain uncertain, members of the community should prepare for a range of weather-related effects from Thursday through Friday.
This may include sustained tropical storm-force winds at 58mph accompanied by gusts ranging between 75mph and 81mph, hazardous surf conditions, swells, rip currents, turbulent seas, heavy showers and thunderstorms.
Lieutenant-Colonel David Burch, the Acting Minister of National Security, said: "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.”
The Department of Parks has issued a special advisory for beachgoers and lifeguards at Horseshoe Bay Beach have raised the red flag, indicating a "high hazard" owing to rough conditions, including powerful surf and dangerous rip currents.
A ministry spokesman said: “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.”
Additionally, teams from the Roadways Crew and Department of Parks are cutting back dangerous trees and foliage.
The spokesman added: “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.”
Last night’s BWS advisory reported Hurricane Lee is forecast to pass close to Bermuda as a Category 2 storm, nearer to the island than original estimates placed it but less powerful.
Bermuda Weather Service updates are available on www.weather.bm.
The Ministry of National Security and the EMO will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
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