Bermuda: Paulette intensifies into Category 1 hurricane, forecast to bring hazardous conditions from September 13 /update 1

Event

The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) in its latest advisory as of 05:00 (local time) on Sunday, September 13, reports that Paulette has strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane. In the advisory, the NHC has recorded Paulette approximately 308 mi (496 km) southeast of Bermuda with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph (121 kph), moving west-northwest at 14 mph (23 kph) and forecast to make a direct or near-direct impact on the island overnight on Sunday. Authorities have announced numerous closures and cancellations of services from Sunday evening ahead of the storm's arrival including:

• The closure of the L.F. Wade International Airport (BDA) from 18:00 
• Bus service island-wide from 19:00
• All ferry service from 12:00
• The Causeway from 21:00

Additionally, all public schools and government buildings will be closed on Monday and Tuesday. The government shelter at CedarBridge Academy will open at 15:00 on Sunday for anyone in need of safe housing during the storm's passing. 

Wind damage, coastal flooding, and dangerous sea conditions are expected during the passing of the storm, and significant disruptions to transportation, business, and utilities are likely in the near term.

Context

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from late May through to the end of November, with activity typically peaking in late August and early September. Numerous tropical storms form in the Atlantic Ocean during this period, with most affecting the Caribbean, the Gulf of Mexico, and the east coast of the United States. Although communities in the region are generally well prepared for adverse weather conditions during the hurricane season, severe storms bring a significant risk of flooding and infrastructural damage.

Organized tropical activity tends to peak in August and September. Storms tend to flood sections of highways and cause dirt-based roads to become temporarily impassable. More organized systems, depending on intensity, can prove catastrophic in terms of tidal surge, wind damage, flooding, and mudslides.

Advice

Those in Bermuda are advised to monitor local weather reports, avoid areas directly affected by flooding, confirm road conditions before setting out, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.