Perilous Times and Climate Change
Tropical Storm Shary approaches Bermuda
By ELIZABETH ROBERTS
The Associated Press
Friday, October 29, 2010; 8:29 PM
HAMILTON, Bermuda -- Bermuda canceled ferry services and urged
islanders to secure their boats as Tropical Storm Shary swirled toward
the tiny British Atlantic territory Friday.
The storm had sustained winds of 70 mph (110 kph) and could gain
strength before passing near or just east of the island by early
Saturday morning, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center in
Miami.
The darkening skies did not dampen the spirits of tourists like Bill
and Margaret Breen, a married couple from Boston, who carried rain
jackets as they strolled through Hamilton.
"We're flying home tomorrow afternoon, so the only issue could be the
storm affecting the flight. But there would be a lot worse things than
to stay another day," said Bill Breen, 45.
Friday afternoon, Shary's core was about 80 miles (130 kilometers)
south-southeast of Bermuda, according to the hurricane center. It was
moving northeast at 16 mph (26 kph).
Derrick Binns, the permanent secretary of the Home Affairs Ministry,
called on islanders to tie up their boats and secure any outdoor
furniture that could blow away in the wind. He also urged cyclists and
motorists to be careful on the roads.
Shary is the 19th named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season.
In late September, Hurricane Igor knocked out power to half of Bermuda
when it passed nearby as a Category 1 hurricane. It did not cause any
major damage or injuries, however.
Also Friday, Tropical Storm Tomas formed in the Atlantic, and
forecasters said it could become a hurricane after passing over the
Windward Islands on Saturday.
Grenada sent public workers home early and canceled evening activities
including a concert by Jamaican artist Romain Virgo.
The hurricane center said Tomas had strengthened quickly Friday night
with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph (95 kph). It was about 170 miles
(270 kilometers) southeast of Barbados.
Tropical storm warnings were issued for Barbados, Martinique, St.
Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, and Trinidad and Tobago.
The center said Tomas might become a hurricane by late Saturday.
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Associated Press writer Linda Straker contributed to this report from
Grenada.