Harvey Dumps Rain on Bermuda; Island Escapes Major Property Problems

Bermuda got an unwelcomed visit from Tropical Storm Harvey on Thursday, resulting in heavy rains and strong winds. As of Thursday night, the storm was moving away from the British island and into the open Atlantic Ocean. Forecasters said that the only likely threats were to ships in the area.

Harvey was headed east-northeast over the Atlantic at about 12 mph, according to forecasters.

With top sustained winds near 65 mph, Harvey increased in strength as it moved away from Bermuda. The storm Thursday passed about 35 miles southeast of the island territory, where it produced several inches of rain.

According to The Royal Gazette, conditions will gradually improve over the weekend as Harvey moves to the northeast. All Government offices and businesses were reportedly operating Friday morning while buses were also running on schedule. The Causeway, linking St. George’s and the Airport to the rest of the island, was also open. It is shut down when winds become too high.

In the meantime, the season’s ninth tropical depression was gathering steam Thursday and moving towards the Caribbean. The storm would be known as Irene if it forms.