Bermudans warned of life-threatening surf from TS Sean

Forecasters say Tropical Storm Sean will be absorbed by a frontal system tonight or Saturday.

HAMILTON, Bermuda, Friday November 11, 2011 - Bermudans were this morning bracing for severe weather as Tropical Storm Sean looked set to dump up to three inches of rain as it passed near the north of the country.

Director of the Bermuda Weather Service Dr. Mark Guishard said residents should expect sustained gales, periods of heavy downpours and thunderstorms with a risk of small hail.

The U.S National Hurricane Centre (NHC) said tropical storm force winds extended outward up to 175 miles (280 km) from the centre.

“Swells generated by Sean are affecting portions of the southeastern coast of the United States and Bermuda causing life-threatening surf and rip currents. These swells should subside during the next day or two,” the NHC said.

Sean, the 18th named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, is forecast to generate waves of up to 16 feet offshore.

Earlier today, the centre was located near latitude 32.9 north and longitude 66.3 west.

The system was moving toward the northeast near 22 miles per hour (35 km/h) with this motion forecast to continue with an increase in forward speed today.

The maximum sustained winds have decreased slightly to near 60 miles per hour (95 km/h) with higher gusts.

The NHC said little change in strength is likely before Sean is absorbed by a frontal system tonight or Saturday. Click here to receive free news bulletins via email from Caribbean360. (View sample)