Katia to affect Bermuda into Friday

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 6AM UPDATE: Hurricane Katia remains a threat to Bermuda and gale force gusts are predicted through tomorrow morning, forecasters said.

Dangerous swells and rip tides caused by the massive storm formation are also expected to continue to affect the South Shore until Friday morning.

Katia’s closest point of approach in the next three days is forecast to be 270 nautical miles west of the island at 10am on Thursday, as a Category 1 hurricane.

The hurricane is currently moving north at 12 knots and is packing 80 knot winds with gusts of up to 100 knots.

Tropical Storm Maria could also develop into a potential threat to the island over the next few days.

Bermuda Weather Service meteorologist James Dodgson said yesterday evening Maria is forecast to move north-northwest after developing into a named storm on Wednesday.

He added: “It’s not a threat to Bermuda as this stage but it could curve to the north or northeast and could present a threat to Bermuda perhaps next Tuesday. It’s too early to tell what it will do, but we will be keeping an eye on it over the next few days.”

Tropical Storm Nate has also formed and is moving north-westwards in the southern Gulf of Mexico. The most likely track is towards the Mexican coast as a Category 1 hurricane.