SAM passing clear of Bermuda and heading safely seaward.
From west to east:
Disturbance Fifty Two has developed in the eastern Caribbean centred around 100 miles south of Puerto Rico, westbound at 10 knots. At the moment, this is little more than a disorganised patch of thunderstorms around a low pressure cell. Current development prospects are fairly poor but if this reaches the south-western Gulf of Mexico, there is a slim chance of development.
Category Four hurricane SAM is at its closest point of approach to Bermuda, passing 220 miles due east on a north-nor’easterly heading at 14 knots. SAM has passed peak strength now and will continue weakening at it heads north-east into the north Atlantic. Whilst this is no threat to land, it remains a very powerful storm indeed with seas of up to 50 feet on top of the storm swell and winds gusting 140 knots – all continued unpleasantness for anyone unlucky enough to be in its path.
Tropical storm VICTOR is 800 miles west of the Cape Verde Islands moving to the north-west at 12 knots. Upper level wind shear is taking chunks out of the convection column which is causing the storm to lose shape and intensity. Steady weakening is likely to continue as this fades away in the central north Atlantic without impact on any land areas.
Stand by for further hurricane strength conditions around the path of SAM otherwise stand easy.
Image Larry Flynt