(CNN) — Epsilon has strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane with 120 km / h winds, according to the National Hurricane Center.
The storm is forecast to approach but remain east of Bermuda, where its strong winds could still be felt and have prompted a Tropical Storm Warning.
“While it is too early to determine the exact details of Epsilon’s track and intensity near the island, tropical storm conditions are possible in Bermuda as of Thursday. And there are also likely to be dangerous surf conditions, ”said the National Hurricane Center.
Large swells created by the storm could also affect the island in the coming days, the center said.
“These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions,” he added.
Epsilon’s hurricane force winds currently extend up to 40 km from the center. While tropical storm force winds extend to more than 482 km, he added.
11 PM AST Tuesday, October 20 Key Messages for Hurricane #Epsilon. Tropical storm conditions are possible on Bermuda beginning Thursday. https://t.co/22MmuRtUyj pic.twitter.com/owzBtcSrjr
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) October 21, 2020
Epsilon is now the 10th Atlantic hurricane this year. This makes 2020 the fifth time since 1966 (or the age of satellites) that this has happened.
The last year there were 10 hurricanes was 2017.
Epsilon is also the 26th named storm of the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season, which ends on November 30.
With information from Christina Maxouris and Michael Guy.
–
