The Ministry of National Security advises that with deteriorating weather conditions, all emergency protocols have been activated, and the island is in safety mode as it awaits the storm’s arrival.

As of this evening, the following closures and safety measures are in effect:

• Causeway: Closed until pending a full assessment following the passage of the storm.
• Public Transport: All bus and ferry services suspended. 
• Airport: The L.F. Wade International Airport remains closed. 
• Government Offices: Closed since 1:00 PM today and will remain closed Thursday, pending a full assessment of government buildings and premises.
• Emergency Shelter: CedarBridge Academy as the Government Shelter, is open for those in need. 
• Urgent Care: Lamb Foggo Urgent Care Centre is open. 
• Royal Bermuda Regiment: 100 regiment officers are deployed across the Island. 
• Beaches: Lifeguard services suspended; high surf warnings in effect. Please stay off the beaches.
• Schools: All schools are closed through Thursday. 
• Roadways: The public is urged to please stay off the roads. Only emergency and essential vehicles should be on the roads.
• Emergency Hotline: EMO Operations Centre at 444-1447 is active.  

Tropical storm-force winds are already affecting the island, with hurricane-force winds expected later this evening (9:00 pm and 10:00 pm), lasting into the early hours of Thursday.

Minister of National Security, the Hon. Michael Weeks, JP, MP, offered the following, “We are a resilient people. Bermuda has weathered many storms, and we will weather this one too. Let our strength be in our unity, our safety in our preparation, and our hope in the calm that always follows the storm.”

The Emergency Broadcast Station can be found at 100.1 FM or can be streamed via www.gov.bm for official updates.

The EMO continues to monitor Hurricane Imelda closely and will provide further updates as conditions evolve.

Stay safe. Stay indoors. Stay informed.

As a note, the 6.00 p.m. Bermuda Weather Service update can be found here: www.weather.bm