The Ministry of National Security advises that the Executive of the Emergency Measures Organisation (EMO) met today, Wednesday, 1 October, to consider the latest updates on Hurricane Imelda.

Hurricane Humberto passed the Island earlier this morning, and the focus now shifts fully to Hurricane Imelda.

As of this morning, Hurricane Imelda was located 343 nautical miles west-southwest of Bermuda, moving east-northeast at 18 knots (21 mph). Maximum sustained winds are near 80 knots (92 mph), with gusts up to 100 knots (115 mph).

On its current track, Imelda is forecast to pass within 25 nautical miles of Bermuda – or directly over the Island – around 1:00 am Thursday.

• Tropical storm-force winds are expected on the Island from between 2.00 and 3.00 pm today.
• Winds of 50 knots sustained (58 mph) will reach Bermuda between 9.00 and 10.00 pm tonight.
• Hurricane-force winds are forecast to begin between 9-10 pm and are expected to last 4 to 6 hours overnight.
• Winds are expected to steadily diminish on Thursday morning, dropping below tropical storm strength by late morning.
• Rainfall totals of 2–4 inches are forecast, with possible localised flooding.

Minister of National Security, the Hon. Michael Weeks, JP, MP, stated: “By now, all preparations for Hurricane Imelda should be completed. Conditions are already deteriorating, and everyone should be off the roads by 4.00 pm today. The public must also remain off the roads throughout Thursday until we issue an official all-clear.

“We have activated the Emergency Measures Operations Centre hotline at 444-1447, which is open from noon today to take requests for assistance with structural damage or road clearing. All other emergencies must be reported to 911.

“The Emergency Broadcast Station at 100.1 FM will go live this evening to provide official updates during the storm. I remind all residents to keep a portable FM radio on hand in case of power outages. If you have mobile data, you can also listen via the live stream on www.gov.bm.”

Key EMO Decisions and Updates

• Causeway: Closes at 6.00 pm today until further notice, as previously advised. Watch Hill Park near John Smith’s Bay will close at 5 pm today. Motorists are urged to exercise caution in this area.
• Public Transport: The last bus departs at 4.00 pm today. Ferry services remain suspended until further notice. Cruise ship Carnival Venezia cancelled its scheduled arrival from 3-4 October.
• Airport: LF Wade International Airport remains closed today. An assessment will be conducted Thursday before reopening.
• Government Offices: All Government offices will be closed at 1 pm today and will remain closed on Thursday. Updates on reopening will follow assessments. Public officers should monitor the updates.
• Emergency Shelter: CedarBridge Academy opens at 4.00 pm today for anyone needing shelter. The shelter is inside the school’s gymnasium. Direction signs will be posted.
• Lamb Foggo Urgent Care Centre: Opens at 4.00 pm today and will remain open until after the storm.
• Bermuda Hospitals Board: To support the safety and well-being of stable oxygen-dependent clients during potential power outages, the BHB encourages those who have concerns about losing power to seek refuge at the shelter at Cedarbridge Academy. This is recommended as a safer alternative to visiting the emergency room, unless urgent medical attention is required.
• Royal Bermuda Regiment: 100 soldiers will be embodied from 3.00 pm today, pre-deployed east and west to assist with the Causeway, emergency shelters, and road clearance.
• Beaches: Lifeguard Services at public beaches remain suspended until further notice. The red ‘High Surf’ warning signs remain erected and no one should attempt to swim due to the dangerous sea conditions.
• Public Works Closures:
  • Airport Dumping Site closes 1.00 pm today
  • Marsh Folly Composting Facility closes 3.00 pm today
  • Tynes Bay Commercial Drop-off closes 3.00 pm today
  • Tynes Bay Public Drop-off closes 3.00 pm today
• Schools: Public and private schools remain closed Wednesday and Thursday. Updates on reopening will follow assessments.
• Garbage Collection (unchanged): Thursday’s collection will shift to Friday; Friday’s schedule moves to Saturday.

Minister Weeks added: “I urge everyone to check on neighbours, particularly the elderly and vulnerable, and make sure they are safe. Please remember that preparation saves lives.

“Stay indoors, remain off the roads until an official announcement is made that the roads are safe, and follow only official sources of information as we ride out Hurricane Imelda together.”

The EMO will continue to monitor conditions closely and provide further updates as required.

For official weather information, visit the Bermuda Weather Service at www.weather.bm.