EMO warns residents to stay off roads so that crews can clear debris and restore services safely
Infrared Satellite Image of Hurricane Imelda passing over Bermuda. Credit: Tropical Tidbits
As Bermuda wakes up from a night of fierce winds and unsettled weather, residents may be relieved to know that Hurricane Imelda is now moving away from the island.
The Category 2 storm passed just south of the island soon after midnight, with its strongest winds striking on the rear side of the system. According to the Bermuda Weather Service, the airport recorded a gust of 57kt, while the National Museum in Dockyard reported a gust of 86kt – close to the 100mph mark.
The storm also left thousands in the dark. According to BELCO’s outage map, nearly 17, 200 customers remain without power. Crews were stood down after 10 pm last night but are expected to resume restoration work at first light when it is safe to do so.
BELCO Outage Map, 7 am on Oct 2
At 6 am, the Hurricane Warning was downgraded to a Tropical Storm Warning. Strong northerly winds will gradually ease through the day as conditions turn drier and brighter.
The Emergency Measures Organisation (EMO) has urged residents to stay off the roads to allow crews – including Works & Engineering, Parks, the Regiment, BELCO and other utilities – to clear debris and restore services safely.
Minister of National Security Michael Weeks said: “I wish to extend my best wishes to all of Bermuda and express my hope that all are faring well. With daylight hours approaching, we are urging persons to stay off the roads. We will continue to experience pockets of unsettled weather conditions throughout the morning.”
The EMO said it is receiving overnight damage reports and the Minister will update later this morning on the status of the resumption and operation of services including, reopening of the Causeway, airport, bus and ferry service and others.
BELCO reminded residents:
- Only call 955 in an emergency such as a pole fire.
- Always assume a downed wire is live. Never approach a downed wire, try to move it or touch it.
- Crews are conducting damage assessments, reporting findings and beginning the restoration process.
Satellite Image of Hurricane Imelda after 6 am, Oct 2. Credit: Zoom.Earth
If you need assistance with structural damage or road clearing, contact the EMO Centre hotline at 444-1447
For all other emergencies, call 911.
For official updates, tune in to the Emergency Broadcast Station at 100.1 FM or stream live via gov.bm.
