Hurricane: Government EMO Meets
Taking steps to ensure the island is well prepared for any increment weather that we may experience this weekend, there was a formal convening of the Emergency Measures Organisation (EMO) earlier this morning (Aug 27).
Today’s meeting was chaired by the Acting Minister of Labour, Home Affairs and Housing Walter Roban. In attendance were representatives from the Bermuda Police Service, Government House, the Bermuda Regiment and the Ministries of Works and Engineering, Tourism and Transport, Health and others.
The Government advises that while Hurricane Danielle is expected to pass in excess of 200 nautical miles of the Island, it is still being closely monitored until it has passed on Saturday. Based on the latest information from the Bermuda Weather Service (BWS), Danielle’s closest point of approach will roughly be 230 nautical miles to the East early Saturday evening around 6.00 p.m.
Danielle is currently a Category 4 storm with maximum sustained winds of 115 knots gusting up to 140 knots. A Tropical Storm Watch is likely to be issued by the BWS this afternoon, alerting the public and mariners to the possibility of north to northeast winds up to 35 knots through Saturday in the southeast Marine Area. And according to EMO Officials, the immediate focus is on local beaches, particularly those along the South Shore, where there will be an increase in surf and swells throughout the weekend.
Residents are strongly advised to refrain from doing recreation activities such as boating and swimming over the next couple of days. Despite the potential for some periods of sunshine, surf, swell and waves, may pose a hazard to beachgoers and mariners. The Department of Park’s Lifeguard Service is currently monitoring the surf conditions, with yellow warning flags being posted at John Smith’s Bay and at Horseshoe Bay.
Other precautions include ensuring that boats and other marine vessels are properly secured to prevent damage. Over the next 48 hours, the public are encouraged to tune in to regular news reports and updates regarding Hurricane Danielle particularly as it relates to possible changes in ferry and bus schedules.
As a further advisory the EMO is also closely monitoring Tropical Storm Earl, which remains 835 nautical miles from the Island. It is not yet considered a threat however the public will be advised accordingly of developments related to this weather system by the EMO.
Below is the full 36-page Emergency Plan from the EMO, click Full Screen for greater clarity:
Will the airport be open tomorrow for incoming flights?
As of now, it is scheduled as open…however that may change obviously. We will post up as soon as possible if any cancellations are announced…