With perfect timing Bermuda will find itself in the eye of hurricane developments when one of the world?s premier experts visits the Island this week to reveal the latest discoveries about the mega-storms.

In the wake of the devastation wreaked by Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita to the US Gulf Coast last month, the booking of hurricane expert Kerry Emanuel to deliver a lecture on the Island could not have been more topical.

?This is an opportune time for him to be here,? said Dr. Rick Murnane, programme manager of the Risk Prediction Initiative at the Bermuda Biological Station for Research (BBSR).

The meteorological holy grail of being able to predict when a big storm is brewing, and more importantly where it is likely to strike, has been the focus of Dr. Emanuel?s research for many years. The natural forces and events that create hurricanes, their origins and behaviour and the science and prediction of hurricanes in history, focusing on Bermuda, will be amongst the areas covered when the professor of atmospheric science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology comes to Bermuda.

Members of the public will be able to meet and hear Dr. Emanuel at the BBSR on October 12. One of the world?s leading authorities on hurricanes and author of more than 100 peer-reviewed scientific papers and two books, Dr. Emanuel?s latest book, ?Divine Wind: The History and Science of Hurricanes? gives accounts of how hurricanes and typhoons have literally altered human history, thwarting military incursions and changing the course of explorations.

Since the founding of the BBSR?s Risk Prediction Initiative the American academic has been a trusted advisor to the programme. During his latest visit to the Island, Dr. Emanuel will join insurers and fellow climate scientists for a workshop on the impacts of extreme climate events. For members of the public the opportunity to hear the expert will be at the BBSR?s Hanson Hall, when the visiting professor will deliver a lecture at 6.30 p.m. followed by an informal reception. ?He will be talking about the role of hurricanes and tropical cyclones through time and what might happen in the future,? said Dr. Murnane.

Space is limited at the lecture, which is free to BBSR donors or $10 for non-donors, so those wishing to attend are asked to call first on 297-1880 extension 204.