Felix Heads Back Toward Bermuda ‘I’M Just Finishing Cleaning From The First Hit’

When Hurricane Felix brushed past Bermuda last week, it downed trees and power lines and swept fishing boats out to sea. Now, officials warn, it may be coming back.

“He’s not welcome,” said Christine Barritt, 33, who operates a small guest house near the capital, Hamilton. “I’m just finishing cleaning up from the first hit.”

Bermuda posted a tropical storm watch early Saturday because of the hurricane’s uncertain course. The government warned residents to prepare for its possible return.

Around midday, winds were gusting up to 35 mph in Bermuda. They were expected to strengthen by today as Felix approaches, said meteorologist George Parks.

The storm itself was weakening. Jerry Gallup, a meteorologist with the National Hurricane Center in Miami, said Felix would pass over cooler water and lose strength by today.

At 11:00 a.m. EDT, the center was about 240 miles northwest of Bermuda, or about 485 miles east of Cape Hatteras, N.C.

It was moving south-southeast at 2 mph with winds of 80 mph. Once winds drop below 70 mph, it will be downgraded to a tropical storm.

The announcement of Felix’s possible return prompted Delta Air Lines to cancel flights to Bermuda on Saturday. American Airlines canceled one flight from New York. USAir canceled flights from Boston, Charlotte, North Carolina, and Baltimore.

Felix passed within 70 miles of Bermuda late Monday and early Tuesday, packing 80 mph winds.