Bermuda has been hit by gale force winds at the weekend as a severe weather watch by the Bermuda Weather Service remains in effect
Photo: BELCO Outage Map, Saturday afternoon
UPDATED 3PM: Only three customers remain without power island wide, according to BELCO.
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More than 1200 BELCO customers were without power at 12.30pm on Saturday as high winds continue to batter the island this weekend.
The utility’s online outage map (above) shows a majority of customers in St. George’s parish, 1247, were left without power while minimal outages were reported in Paget, Warwick, Southampton and Devonshire.
The wet and windy conditions resulted in pockets of power outages island-wide on Friday, affecting, at times, hundreds of BELCO customers.
The utility said it has activated its Incident Command Structure, and crews are responding to and restoring power as long as it remains safe to do so.
BELCO added that its telephone line 955 should be used to report any emergencies, such as pole fires, sparking or downed lines.
The Bermuda Weather Service has issued both a severe weather watch and a storm warning for Saturday evening through Sunday morning.
According to forecasters, “A deepening low to the north sends blustery showers over us with strengthening gale-force winds and higher gusts developing this evening, which may intensify to storm force at times overnight.
“Therefore, a storm warning and severe weather watch remain in effect for late this evening.”
Conditions are expected to improve into Monday.
Michael Weeks, Minister of National Security, had urged residents to keep an eye on the forecast and to prepare for unsettled conditions lasting through Sunday.
He stated, “As we saw last weekend, severe weather can cause disruptions, so residents and businesses should make sensible plans, secure their property where necessary, and avoid unnecessary risks.
“In particular, I urge motorists to travel with care if they must be on the roads.”
Travellers are encouraged to check with their respective airlines on flight statuses as distruptions are expected all weekend due to the inclement weather.
For the latest updates on power outages and restoration, go to belco.bm.
