A Tropical Storm Warning is now in effect for the local area, as Hurricane Lee bears down on our shores, a approach Bermuda and stregthening as a Category 2 hurricane packing winds at 100 mph.  

Forecasters say easterly winds will veer and strengthen to become tropical storm force with hurricane force gusts today into early Friday as Lee passes by approximately 160nm to our west.

Rough seas, swells and dangerous surf will continue to increase as conditions rapidly deteriorate gradually to improve later on Friday.

Meanwhile, the National Hurricane Center is issuing advisories on Hurricane Lee, located a few hundred miles southwest of Bermuda, and on Hurricane Margot, located over the central subtropical Atlantic.

Actine Minister of National Security, Lt Col David Burch urged residents to hunker down and exercise safety first.

STATEMENT

I cannot stress enough that we must all take this storm seriously.

In that regard, and in the interest of public safety, I am urging residents to move about the island cautiously, particularly on our roads.

As it relates to public services, at this stage, here’s what I can advise:

  • Government services will be operating normal, tomorrow, September 14th. On Friday, in-person services at Government Offices will resume at noon to allow crews from the various sections to assess and remove debris.
  • The Causeway will remain open, and will be closely monitored by the Ministry of Public Works.
  • Public schools will be closed tomorrow, Thursday, and Friday out of an abundance of caution.
  • Ferry services will be suspended tomorrow, and an assessment will be made on Friday morning and communicated to the public.
  • Buses will run according to their normal schedules tomorrow until 5.30 p.m., when bus operations will be suspended. An assessment of routes will be carried out first thing on Friday morning.
  • We are urging people to please stay off the roads so that our works crews can do the necessary cleanups and assessments.
  • Concerning the LF Wade International Airport, flights will be suspended from 12 noon tomorrow – with the exception of tomorrow’s British Airways flights to and from the island, which are expected to proceed as scheduled. Passengers on other flights should check with their respective airlines.
  • The Government shelter will not be opened.
  • There will be no change to garbage collection services.
  • Garbage collection will be collected as normal on Thursday, but please do not put out your trash on Thursday night. Wait for an announcement on Friday morning

The Parks Department has posted high surf warning signs along our public beaches and parks.

Lastly, I understand that our community has been through a lot with back-to-back storms, and I want to acknowledge the fatigue and concern many of you may be feeling right now. Going through serious storms can cause anxiety.

Our resilience is our greatest strength. I encourage our community to come together and support each other as we navigate this latest storm.

Monitor the Bermuda Weather Service, the official authority for storm updates, on weather.bm.

You can also follow the Bermuda Government social media plaforms to get the best possible facts for Bermuda’s weather conditions.

Finally, I want to extend my thanks and appreciation to all our member agencies in the EMO for their tireless work and dedication.

To all of Bermuda – please continue to stay safe, and take care of yourselves and one another.

The Ministry of National Security and the EMO will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.

CORRECTION: During today’s press conference, it was stated that the BA flight was to operate as per normal tomorrow (Thursday).  That is incorrect. 

It is Bermuda Air that will operate Thursday morning to Boston.  The airport will close at 12 noon and reopen Friday.  Thus, there will be no British Airways flight tomorrow evening.