Tropical Storm Fernand formed over the Atlantic Ocean south-southeast of Bermuda on Saturday afternoon.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Fernand was located at latitude 27.2°N and longitude 61.4°W which put the center about 405 miles (655 km) south-southeast of Bermuda.  Fernand was moving toward the north at 15 m.p.h. (24 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 1010 mb.

A low pressure system over the Atlantic Ocean south-southeast of Bermuda exhibited more organization on Saturday afternoon and the U.S. National Hurricane Center designated the system as Tropical Storm Fernand.

The distribution of thunderstorms in Tropical Storm Fernand was asymmetrical.  A few thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the eastern side of Fernand’s circulation.  Bands in the other parts of Tropical Storm Fernand consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.

The distribution of winds speeds in Tropical Storm Fernand was also asymmetrical.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 105 miles (165 km) in the southeastern quadrant of Fernand’s circulation.  The winds in the other parts of Tropical Storm Fernand were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Fernand will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Fernand will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  It will move under the eastern side of an upper level trough off the east coast of the U.S.  The upper level trough will produce westerly winds that will blow toward the top of Fernand’s circulation.  Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear.  Fernand will move into a region of drier air.  The moderate vertical wind shear and the drier air will inhibit intensification.  Tropical Storm Fernand could intensify slowly on Sunday in spite of the moderate wind shear and drier air.

Tropical Storm Fernand will move around the western end of a subtropical high pressure system.  The high pressure system will steer Fernand toward the north-northeast during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Fernand will pass east of Bermuda on Sunday.