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The best way to keep on top of the latest news on tropical activity is to listen to the radio, watch the evening news, check the internet or get updates from Bermuda Weather Service. As a storm approaches, ensuring that you understand the various terms and warnings associated with hurricanes and tropical storms will help.
While any type of storm can cause damage, tropical storms and hurricanes are particularly dangerous. They both fall under the term ‘tropical cyclone’, for their circular air movement over warm, tropical waters. The difference is based on wind speed. Below is a description of the types of storms and hurricanes
Storm |
Maximum Sustained Winds |
Description |
|
Tropical Depression |
33 kts, 38 mph, 62 km/h or less |
First appearance of low pressure and organised circulation in the centre of a group of thunderstorms over tropical waters. |
|
Tropical Storm |
34 to 63 kts |
Heavy rainfall and potentially damaging winds. Storm will be named and becomes more organised in a circular shape. |
|
Category 1 Hurricane |
64 to 82 kts |
Very dangerous winds that will produce some damage |
|
Category 2 Hurricane |
83 to 95 kts |
Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage |
|
Category 3 Hurricane |
96 to 112 kts |
Major storm – devastating damage will occur |
|
Category 4 Hurricane |
113 to 136 kts |
Major storm – catastrophic damage will occur |
|
Category 5 Hurricane |
137 kts and more |
Major storm – catastrophic damage will occur |
Before a Storm or Hurricane:
When tracking a storm, the Bermuda Weather Service will indicate its status -whether there is a threat, potential threat or if the threat has passed.
- A storm is considered a ‘THREAT TO BERMUDA” when the effects are possible within 72 hours.
- A ‘POTENTIAL THREAT’ means the centre of the system is expected to pass within 400 nautical miles (nm) in the next 72 hours.
- ‘NOT A THREAT AT THIS TIME’ refers to a storm that has the potential to affect Bermuda, but not within 72 hours, or it is forecast to pass by more than 400 nm within the next 72 hours.
- A storm is considered to be ‘NO THREAT’ to the island when it has passed its closest point of approach and is steadily moving away.
- It is also important to ensure that you have the right insurance coverage for your home, vehicles or boats. Read more tips from Argus on how to protect your home here. Ensuring that your insurance is up to date will give you peace of mind should the worst happen.
As the threat of a storm approaches, the Bermuda Weather Service will issue watches and warnings to alert residents.
- A TROPICAL STORM WATCH is issued when tropical storm winds of 34 to 63 knots (kts) could possibly affect the island within 48 hours.
- This is upgraded to a TROPICAL STORM WARNING when tropical storm winds are expected to affect Bermuda within 36 hours.
- Similarly, a HURRICANE WATCH is issued when hurricane force winds may possibly impact the island within 48 hours.
- This becomes a HURRICANE WARNING once sustained winds of 64 kts or more are expected to affect Bermuda within 36 hours.
During a storm or hurricane:
Once a storm watch or warning has been issued, and is within hours of its closest approach, it is recommended that you secure your house, property and vehicles based on the wind strength and direction details.
Based to the severity of the storm; remain inside and listen to local television, radio stations or the Government Emergency Broadcast Station on FM 100.1 for updates. You may also follow internet updates and advisories on www.gov.bm, www.weather.bm or www.Facebook.com/bermudaweatherservice.
After the storm or hurricane has passed:
Following a storm, or hurricane, if you need to file a claim or speak to an insurance representative, you can contact the Argus Claims Hurricane Hotline at 298-0888 for immediate assistance. Claims can also be sent via email to insurance@argus.bm.