Florence approaches Bermuda

Hurricane Florence, a category 1 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale, is forecast to pass close by Bermuda early tomorrow, Monday 11th. The Bermuda Weather Service has issued this advisory at 1200 GMT:

Current Position: 28.7N 65.9W approx. 230 nm S of Bermuda
Recent Movement: NNW or 340 degrees at 11 kt
Central Pressure: 976 mb / 28.82 in
Max Sustained Winds: 70kt gusts 85kt
Closest point of approach to Bermuda within 72 hrs:
Date: 8 am Mon, Sep 11, 2006
Distance: 44 nm to the W

The National Hurricane Center has added:
This is important for the US East Coast and the eastern Caribbean
Maximum sustained winds are near 80 mph and expected to increase to category 2 strength on passing Bermuda.

Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 45 miles from the center, and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 260 miles. Estimated minimum central pressure is 976 mbar / 28.82 inc.

Storm surge values of 6 to 8 feet above normal tide levels along with large and dangerous battering waves are likely along the coast of Bermuda as Florence passes near the island.

Florence is expected to produce total rain accumulations of 5 to 8 inches over Bermuda, with possible maximum amounts of 10 inches. |

Large ocean swells and dangerous surf conditions, including strong rip currents are affecting the northern Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Hispaniola and the Bahamas. These conditions are beginning to affect areas of the East Coast of the USA. See statements from local weather service offices for local details.

PLEASE RELAY /// PLEASE RELAY