Bermuda Issues Tropical Storm Warning As Hurricane Bertha Approaches

HAMILTON, Bermuda (AP) — Bermuda is preparing for heavy rains and wind this weekend as Hurricane Bertha churns slowly across the Atlantic.

The Bermuda Weather Service has issued a tropical storm warning. The outer bands of Bertha are threatening to sideswipe the island tomorrow.

At last report, Bertha was centered about 215 miles southeast of Bermuda. It has maximum sustained winds of about 80 miles-an-hour with some higher gusting.

The storm is expected to pass well east of Bermuda, although any inclination toward the west would create stronger winds.

Rain has already started falling at Elbow Beach, driving tourists away. But many remained largely unconcerned.