Government statement on Hurricane Bill

The Hon. Walter Roban JP, MP
Acting Minister of Labour, Home Affairs and Housing

Good afternoon.

Earlier today, we conducted our second Emergency Measures Organisation meeting to get an update on Hurricane Bill’s progress.

By now, the public is aware that Bermuda is under a Hurricane Watch.

And Hurricane Bill which is expected to pass some 200 NM to the west of the Island continues to be a threat to Bermuda.

According to the latest information from the Bermuda Weather Service, its closest point of approach will be during the pre-dawn hours of Saturday morning – roughly 3 a.m.

It’s anticipated that there will be sustained tropical storm force winds in excess of 34 knots associated with the storm beginning early tomorrow evening. Gusts of hurricane force 65 knots will develop into Friday night.

As is typical sea surf conditions are expected to increase with the approaching storm, particularly on the south shore. Yesterday I issued a public safety advisory urging beach goers to refrain from swimming at our south shore beaches.

That remains in place until further notice.

There will also be increased levels of rain with the approaching storm. And any preparation for areas typically affected by rain, particularly those in low lying areas, should be completed by tomorrow morning.

Now a word about the Causeway and Government services.

The Bermuda Police Service and a detachment from the Ministry of Works and Engineering will keep a steady watch over the Causeway Bridge throughout Friday night and into Saturday morning.

Should the winds increase to a sustained 50 knots, only then will a determination be made to close the Causeway. If possible, this determination and announcement will be made in advance, but the public is reminded that sudden changes in weather conditions may warrant an unanticipated closure.

This will be communicated to the public via email alerts and the news media.

We will make every attempt, given the circumstances, to ensure the public is aware and given sufficient time to plan should the Causeway close, however we do ask residents to be mindful that the situation is fluid and decisions must sometime be made rapidly with the best interest of the public as our priority.

Should the Causeway be closed, the decision to reopen will be made only after the integrity of the structure has been assessed.

During this time, residents are asked for their understanding and patience.

Additionally the Foggo Lamb Urgent Care Center will function as an emergency center in the East End should anyone require medical treatment in that vicinity. It will be fully staffed and will operate on a 24 hour basis.

The LF Wade International Airport remains operational and tomorrow all Government services will operate as normal.

Residents who have made travel plans for tomorrow and Saturday are asked to check with their respective airlines.

As of today, all members of the Regiment should be prepared to be embodied. Members are asked to monitor television, radio and their cell phones for information as it relates to embodiment.

As a result of the elevated winds we anticipate that public transportation will be affected. The public will be advised accordingly about ferry and bus service.

CedarBridge Academy in Prospect will be the designated Government shelter. Should anyone be in need of shelter before and /or during the storm, please call the shelter hotline at 292-6339 for more information.

As an added note, no pets will be allowed in the shelters and residents are encouraged to bring an ample supply of medicine should they require it.

The public is advised to stay tuned to the news media for regular updates from the EMO.

Lastly, a note on public safety.

We have had lots of experience with hurricanes. And while they are notoriously unpredictable and erratic, one thing is certain – no two hurricanes are alike. So I want to encourage all residents to please adhere to the public safety warnings being issued by our emergency personnel.

All uniformed services including teams from the Bermuda Police Service, the Bermuda Regiment and the Bermuda Fire Service are fully ready to assist, however the best place that residents can be is in their homes during the onset of the worst of the storm.

We all remember Hurricane Fabian. That was a tragic time in Bermuda’s history.

So again I am urging people to use their common sense.

Stay off the roads, stay off the beaches and stay close to home – please think safety first.

The EMO will reassess the situation tomorrow morning in order to provide the latest update to the public. At that time a complete review will be made and communicated via the broadcast media.

Thank you.

Tags: Airlines, Airport, Beaches, Bermuda Weather Service, Government, Hurricane, Hurricane Bill, Hurricane Fabian, Walter Roban, Weather