Tropical storm Paulette approaching Bermuda, hurricane warning in effect

Hurricane conditions are expected to reach Bermuda by Sunday night or early Monday.

The National Hurricane Centre said preparations to protect life and property should be hurried to actuality as winds are foreseen to first reach tropical storm strength by late Sunday, making outside preparations risky or dangerous

A hazardous storm rise is expected to produce significant coastal flooding on Bermuda in areas of onshore winds. Near the coast, the rise will be accompanied by large and dangerous waves.

At 8 pm on Sunday the centre of Tropical Storm Paulette was located about 415 miles (670 km) southeast of Bermuda.

It's moving toward the west-northwest near 15 mph (24 km/h).

A west-northwest or northwest motion is expected through Sunday night while a turn toward the north with a decline in forwarding speed is forecast on Monday, followed by a northeastward motion Monday night and Tuesday.

Maximum strengthened winds are near 70 mph (110 km/h) with higher gusts. Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 195 miles (315 km) from the centre.

The Hurricane Hunter plane has not yet completed its pattern and should provide more information about winds associated with Paulette during the next couple of hours.

The tropical storm is forecast to strengthen and will likely become a hurricane tonight.

The NHC said Paulette is expected to be a dangerous hurricane when it is near Bermuda Sunday night and Monday.

Heavy periods of rain are also expected to affect Bermuda Sunday through Monday, with rainfall accumulations of 3 to 6 inches likely.

Swells generated by Paulette are affecting fractions of the Leeward Islands, the Greater Antilles, the Bahamas, and Bermuda and will continue to dissipate westward to the east coast of the United States over the next day or two.

These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and slash current conditions.

For more information and precautions please consult products from your local weather office.