Katia now a Category 3 hurricane

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 (7PM UPDATE): Hurricane Katia is now a Category Three storm but is expected to miss Bermuda by more than 250 nautical miles.

The latest forecast from the Bermuda Weather Service (BWS) this evening puts the storm’s closest point of approach at 256 nautical miles to our west-southwest at 11pm on Wednesday.

It is then expected to curve around to the northeast.

Michelle Pitcher, duty meteorologist, said: “We will continue to experience increasing winds as Katia approaches and passes, as well as increasing waves.

“As Katia is expected to pass almost directly between Bermuda and the US east coast, any shift in the latest forecast can dramatically change our conditions.

“We continue to closely monitor Katia for any changes in her track or intensity.”

No tropical storm or hurricane warnings have been issued, but islanders should expect 20 to 30 knots with gusts of up to 45 knots.

Bermuda will however escape the storm’s tropical storm force winds. The US National Hurricane Center says these extend 180 nautical miles from the centre, and the storm’s closest point of approach is 256 nautical miles.

The BWS says winds will pick up tomorrow, continuing into Thursday, and that Katia is a “potential threat”.

From tomorrow, people should also expect rain with a chance of thunder.

The storm was 435 nautical miles to our south this evening, with winds reaching 100 knots and gusts of up to 120 knots.

The Norwegian Gem has cancelled its trip to Bermuda. The cruise liner was expected to arrive on Wednesday.

As of tonight, there have been no flight cancellations.

Wendall Burchall, acting general manager for LF Wade International Airport, said: “We have not received any carrier cancellations as yet.”