Tropical Storm Ophelia is centered near 17.9N/57.9W, or about 250 miles east of the Northern Leeward Islands. Maximum sustained winds are now near 40 mph with higher wind gusts of up to 55mph. Movement is to the Northwest at 14 mph. Ophelia is forecast to move north of the northern Leeward Islands this weekend.
Ophelia is barely a tropical storm this afternoon and the tropical storm force winds are in a small area. Since strong wind shear continues to affect the system, further weakening is likely. However, in 2-3 days, environmental conditions are likely to become a bit more favorable for intensification. Therefore, reintensification is forecast.
A northwest motion is likely for the next 2-3 days followed by a turn to the north. Ophelia could pose a threat to Bermuda late next week.
The heavy squalls are expected to remain to the northeast of the region on Sunday and Monday.
Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Phillipe has formed in the Atlantic. Tropical Depression Seventeen has become the sixteenth named storm of the 2011 hurricane season. Philippe is forecast to track to the west-northwest for the next 24 hours, followed by a turn to the northwest and north. This track will keep the storm far out to sea in the eastern Atlantic.
Philippe is forecast to steadily strengthen for the next 48-60 hours. Thereafter, gradually increasing wind shear combined with cooler ocean temperatures should lead to slow weakening.
All residents should continue to monitor the progress of Ophelia or any other activities that may develop in the Atlantic and make necessary preparations. The Department of Disaster Management will continue to monitor the weather and provide updates when necessary. Please visit the Department of Disaster Management’s website at www.bviddm.com and subscribe to the notification link.
