September 5, 2011 – Hurricane Katia Curves Right and Avoids the United States: At 11:00AM Monday September 5th Hurricane Katia was located 540 miles south of Bermuda (see map).
The bad news is that Katia is strengthening and developing a large “eye.” Maximum sustained winds were 110 MPH, putting it right on the cusp of a Category 2/3 storm. The hurricane is moving north-west at 13 MPH or 312 miles a day, with a slight decrease in forward speed expected.
Hurricane-force winds extend outward 60 miles and Tropical Storm force winds 205 miles out. Additional strengthening is forecasted. Katia could become a major Hurricane later today, with sustained winds of between 115 and 135 MPH.
The good news is, Katia decided not to visit the United States or Bermuda. It is projected to curve to the North, then north-east over the next weeks; completely missing both. There are no coastal warnings or watches in effect.
Large waves, generated by Katia, are expected to affect most of the east coast of the United States, Bermuda, The Greater Antilles, and east-facing beaches of the Bahamas; during the next few days. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surge and rip current conditions. Swells affecting the northern Leeward Islands should continue to subside.
The Master of Disaster
