At 4:00 pm, Epsilon Not Far Away from Becoming a Hurricane

SUMMARY OF 500 PM AST…2100 UTC…INFORMATION
LOCATION…27.9N 55.8W
ABOUT 615 MI…995 KM ESE OF BERMUDA
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS…65 MPH…100 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT…NW OR 320 DEGREES AT 13 MPH…20 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE…992 MB…29.30 INCHES

WATCHES AND WARNINGS
A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for…
* Bermuda

DISCUSSION AND OUTLOOK
At 500 PM AST (2100 UTC), the center of Tropical Storm Epsilon was located near latitude 27.9 North, longitude 55.8 West. Epsilon is moving toward the northwest near 13 mph (20 km/h). This general motion is expected to continue tonight, followed by a slightly slower west-northwestward or northwestward motion on Wednesday and Thursday. On the forecast track, Epsilon is forecast to move closer to Bermuda on Thursday and make its closest approach to the island on Thursday night.

Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 65 mph (100 km/h) with higher gusts. Additional strengthening is expected during the next couple of days, and Epsilon is forecast to become a hurricane tonight or early Wednesday.

Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 345 miles (555 km), primarily to the north of the center.

The estimated minimum central pressure is 992 MB (29.30 inches).

HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND
WIND: Tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area by Thursday.

SURF: Large swells generated by Epsilon are expected to affect Bermuda for the next several days. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.

Category: ALL POSTS, Severe Weather, Tropical