Katia now a 'potential threat' to Bermuda (Update 2)

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 6PM UPDATE: Hurricane Katia is now officially classified as a ‘potential threat’ to Bermuda. Forecasters expect it to pass to the south-southwest of the island.

The closest point of approach of the storm is expected to be 7am on Wednesday when it will pass 289 nautical miles to the south-southwest - as of the 6pm forecast on Sunday.

Storms are officially designated as ‘potential threats’ when the closest point of approach within 72 hours is within 400 nautical miles,

They are upgraded to ‘threat’ status if the closest point is predicted to be within 100 nautical miles.

Michelle Pitcher, duty forecaster at the Bermuda Weather Service, said yesterday that high seas and storm swells could begin to effect the island by this evening.

Winds are also expected to increase on Monday through Wednesday with gale force gusts likely later on Tuesday.

There is still potential for the storm to change track, Ms Pitcher added, though she said the forecast erred on the conservative side.

“As always, the forecast track is not set in stone and is usually slightly 'tweaked' for each advisory.”

Katia, currently a Category 2 hurricane, is expected to increase to Category 3 force on Monday.

It will begin to weaken on Thursday and should be a Category 2 hurricane by Friday morning.