Bermudians urged to take Hurricane Erin seriously
Toriann Ellis / Our Today
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Residents of Bermuda are being urged to take Hurricane Erin seriously, even though the system is not expected to make a direct hit on the island.
Acting Minister of National Security Jaché Adams said the storm, downgraded overnight to Category 3, still posed a significant threat to the island.
“Too often, when storms pass at a distance, people believe there is no need to prepare. That attitude is dangerous,” he warned. “We must guard against complacency. I urge every resident to treat Erin as a serious test of your preparedness for the season ahead. Do not wait until a storm is upon our doorstep to take action.”
According to the Bermuda Weather Service, Erin was located about 677 miles southwest of the island in its 6 am Tuesday update. The hurricane was moving northwest at about 7mph with maximum sustained winds of 115mph and gusts near 128mph. The closest forecast point within 72 hours was projected to be 351 miles north-northwest of Bermuda by 5 am Friday.
Residents were reminded that forecasts are subject to change with each update.
Flights remain unaffected, and LF Wade International Airport will stay open.
The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported that Erin was expected to pass between Bermuda and the US East Coast by midweek. It also issued warnings of tropical storm conditions for the Turks & Caicos and parts of the Bahamas, along with the risk of flash flooding and life-threatening surf and rip currents for Bermuda, the Bahamas, the US East Coast, and Atlantic Canada in the coming days.
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