Nicole continues to strengthen

Hurricane Nicole is set to increase in intensity from a Category 1 hurricane to a Category 2 as it approaches Bermuda, according to the latest forecasts.

Late on Tuesday October 11 the Government of Bermuda issued a formal statement about the approaching storm, warning residents to take the appropriate precautions.

“Nicole is forecast to be a Category 2 hurricane and Bermuda is currently under a Hurricane Warning,” said Jeffrey Baron, Minister of National Security. “Current Bermuda Weather Service reports have Hurricane Nicole’s closest point of approach to Bermuda at 25 nautical miles at 11.00am Thursday morning.

“And as Nicole approaches we can expect deteriorating conditions, including high surf, increasing winds, showers and thunderstorms. As I noted yesterday, we cannot be complacent with this storm.

“The Bermuda Chamber of Commerce advises all businesses to be mindful of the weather forecasts surrounding TS/ Hurricane Nicole. In light of government’s decision to close schools at noon on Wednesday they are recommending that businesses close by 3pm at the latest to give staff the opportunity to make their personal preparations.”

In a statement released at 5am on Wednesday October 12 the US-based National Hurricane Centre said that: “Nicole is moving toward the north-northwest near 7 mph (11 km/h), but a turn toward the north with an increase in forward speed is expected later today. An additional increase in forward speed with a turn toward the north-northeast is forecast on Thursday. On the forecast track, the core of Hurricane Nicole will near Bermuda on Thursday.

“Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 100 mph (155 km/h) with higher gusts. Some strengthening is possible during the next 36 hours, and Nicole could be near major hurricane strength by later today. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 30 miles (45 km) from the centre and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 115 miles (185 km).”