Tropical Update – Hurricane Gonzalo Blows Through Bermuda

When you look at a map of the island of Bermuda you might think how nice it is to be so isolated. It is that isolation that makes Friday's direct hit by major hurricane Gonzalo so troublesome for those on the island.

The island is no stranger to being brushed by hurricanes every season. Direct hits are few and far between, especially by major storms. Gonzalo was the very dangerous exception to the norm. According to published reports Gonzalo's strongest arrived on shore last night at about 7:30 Lafayette time. That same report said that 24-thousand of the 38-thousand metered homes on the island were without power.

Government officials said travel around the island was possible but very slow since most of the roadways had debris and tree limbs covering the roadway. It is estimated that it will take several weeks to bring the power back and clear the roadways but the recovery is already well underway.

The National Hurricane Center forecast office says that Gonzalo will continue to move away from Bermuda rather rapidly. The storm system should be approaching Newfoundland by early tomorrow morning as a weakened tropical storm.