Tropical Storm warning issued for Bermuda

The Bermuda Weather Service said Tropical Storm Sean is likely to affect the island within 36 hours.

HAMILTON, Bermuda, Wednesday November 9, 2011 - A tropical storm warning has been issued for Bermuda as the Atlantic hurricane season’s 18th named storm, Sean, looks set to affect the island within 36 hours.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NCH) said the system is likely to strengthen today and tonight.

Sea swells generated by Sean are expected to affect Bermuda and portions of the southeastern coast of the United States during the next couple of days causing life-threatening surf and rip currents, the centre said.

“A warning for tropical storm conditions, including possible sustained winds within the range 34-63 knots (63-117 km/h) (39-73 mph) are expected to affect Bermuda or the local marine area out to 25 nautical miles within 36 hours or less,” the Bermuda Weather Service stated in its advisory.

Earlier today, the centre of Tropical Storm Sean was located near latitude 27.8 north longitude 70.5 west.

The system is moving towards the west near three miles per hour.

It is forecast to turn gradually to the north over the next 24 hours followed by a turn toward the northeast.

The maximum sustained winds are near 50 miles per hour with higher gusts.

The NCH said tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 290 miles (465 km). Click here to receive free news bulletins via email from Caribbean360. (View sample)