Tropical Storm Epsilon is becoming better organized and stronger and is forecast to reach hurricane strength by Thursday.

Because the outer bands of the developing storm may brush Bermuda, the government there has issued a Tropical Storm Watch for the island. A Tropical Storm Watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area, generally within 48 hours.




As of this afternoon’s update from the National Hurricane Center, Epsilon was located about 675 miles east-southeast of Bermuda near 27.2 N 55.4 W. With maximum sustained winds up to 60 mph and minimum central pressure down to 994 mb, the system has become stronger than it was this time yesterday.

Epsilon is moving toward the north-northwest near 12 mph for now.  According to the National Hurricane Center, a northwestward motion with a similar forward speed is forecast over the next couple of days. On the forecast track, Epsilon is forecast to move closer to Bermuda on Thursday and make its closest approach to the island on Friday. As the storm heads to the north and west, gradual strengthening is forecast over the next couple of days, and Epsilon is forecast to be at or near hurricane strength by Thursday.