TS Bertha Passes 40 Miles East of Bermuda

Tropical Storm Bertha—downgraded from hurricane status early Sunday morning—is passing just east of Bermuda, bringing 3-5 inches of rain, tropical storm force winds, and waves up to 18 feet.

As of 2 p.m. EST, Bertha was located about 40 miles east-northeast of Bermuda. Maximum sustained winds are 65 mph, with higher gusts. The storm is moving north at 7 mph.

“The storm is now expected to take a turn and meander eastward,” said Dr. Justin Cox, research scientist & meteorologist at AIR Worldwide. “The southern part of the island is experiencing heavy rain and tropical storm force winds; at Commissioner's Point—an automated weather station in the southwestern part of the island—sustained winds up to 63 mph have been recorded. The large swells and high surf-conditions affecting Bermuda now are expected to continue for a day or two, but damage from the storm should be minimal.”

“Bertha formed farther east than is typical this early in the hurricane season, though its track has not been unusual,” added Dr. Cox. “It became the first major hurricane of the 2008 season last Monday afternoon when it was upgraded to Category 3 status. It was downgraded soon thereafter. A week later, the storm weakened to tropical storm status on Sunday at 7 a.m. EST, about 220 miles south of Bermuda.”