Tropical Storm Fernand passed east of Bermuda on Sunday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Storm Fernand was located at latitude 31.8°N and longitude 59.8°W which put the center about 295 miles (475 km) east of Bermuda.  Fernand was moving toward the north-northeast at 13 m.p.h. (21 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1009 mb.

Tropical Storm Fernand strengthened gradually on Sunday as it passed east of Bermuda.  More thunderstorms developed near the center of Fernand’s circulation.  More thunderstorms also formed in bands revolving around the center of Tropical Storm Fernand.  Storms near the center of Fernand generated upper level divergence that pumped more mass away from the tropical storm.

The strongest winds were blowing in the eastern side of Tropical Storm Fernand.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 60 miles (95 km) in the eastern side of Fernand’s circulation.  The winds in the western side of Fernand were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Fernand will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Fernand will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C.  It will move under the eastern side of an upper level trough that is east 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 some vertical wind shear.  The vertical wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the wind shear will not be enough to prevent intensification.  Tropical Storm Fernand will intensify during the next 24 hours.

The upper level trough that is east of the U.S. will steer Tropical Storm Fernand toward the northeast during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Fernand move farther away from Bermuda on Monday.