Tropical Storm Fay may have felt like a hurricane when it struck the Island with high-speed gusts, but remained a Tropical Storm throughout — and was still at TS status as of 2pm, according to the Bermuda Weather Service.

A service spokeswoman said it was classified by the experts at the National Hurricane Center in Miami, Florida, with whom Bermudian forecasters work closely with via phone before, during, and after any tropical cyclone that affects Bermuda.

“The closest point of approach of Fay happened slightly later and closer than the NHC predicted,” the spokeswoman said. “Exact numbers are not quite available from us at the moment.”

Asked if there had been tornados, she said: “It is difficult to have official tornado reports unless a video of a tornado was taken, as any tell tale damage signs would have been blown away in the winds. In heavier thunderstorms, especially when they are associated with a tropical storm, it would be possible for tornados and waterspouts to form. Also the lack of daylight would make spotting these features difficult.

“Tropical storm conditions include heavy rain and thunderstorms along with the possibility of hurricane force gusts (63 knots and higher) and tornadoes. We at Bermuda Weather Service always try to stress the unpredictable nature of the conditions associated with tropical storms.”