Philippe Prompts Tropical Storm Warning for Bermuda

The potential effects of Tropical Storm Philippe prompted Bermuda to issue a Tropical Storm Warning. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Philippe was located at latitude 22.6°N and longitude 65.9°W which put it about 675 miles (1085 km) south of Bermuda. Philippe was moving toward the north at 12 m.p.h. (19 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1004 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for Bermuda.

Tropical Storm Philippe weakened a little more on Wednesday. An upper level trough east of Florida produced strong southwesterly winds that blew across the top of Philippe’s circulation. Those winds caused strong vertical wind shear. The strong upper level winds also blew the tops off of many of the thunderstorms in Tropical Storm Philippe. A few thunderstorms were able to develop in the southeastern quadrant of Philippe’s circulation. However, most of the bands revolving around the center of Philippe’s circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 200 miles (320 km) in the eastern side of Philippe’s circulation. The winds in the western side of Tropical Storm Philippe were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Philippe will move through a region that will be unfavorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Philippe will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C. However, the upper level trough east of Florida will continue to cause strong vertical wind shear. The strong wind shear will prevent Tropical Storm Philippe from intensifying during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Philippe will move around the western part of a high pressure system over the Atlantic Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Philippe toward the north during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Philippe will move closer to Bermuda. Philippe could reach Bermuda on Friday.