EMO: Not Expecting Direct Impact From Hurricane

The Hon. Wayne Perinchief J.P., M.P., Minister of National Security today provided an update on Tropical Storm Leslie following a meeting of the Emergency Measures Organisation (EMO).
The latest forecast from the Bermuda Weather Service (BWS) shows that Leslie has been downgraded to a tropical storm but is expected to re-intensify into a category 1 hurricane during the next 24 to 48 hours.

Tropical Storm Leslie remains almost stationary and as of the 12 noon advisory, Leslie’s closest point of approach to Bermuda within 72 hours (3 days) is forecast to be 174 nautical miles to the East South East at 4 p.m. on Sunday, September 9, 2012.

A Tropical Storm Watch remains in effect meaning tropical storm winds are forecast to affect Bermuda and our marine area within 48 hours.

Minister Perinchief said: “It appears that Bermuda will be spared a direct impact from a hurricane as the forecast is for Leslie to pass by more than 150 miles to our east. However, I urge the public to remain cautious as there is the potential for the storm to re-intensify and change track and we could experience heavy rain and winds in shower bands. The public should also tune into updates from the Bermuda Weather Service and EMO that will be disseminated through local media and updated on our website at www.emobermuda.com.”

Updated information for the public includes:
The Emergency shelter at Cedarbridge academy will now not open on Saturday, September 8 at 12 p.m. but remains in a state of readiness should it be required. A contact number for the shelter is 292 6339.

The Ministry of Education has advised that schools will open for Principals and teachers on Monday, September 10 and students will return on Tuesday, September 11.

The Causeway will remain open unless sustained winds exceed 50 knots.

The re-opening of Government offices will be advised after the passage of the storm.

The Department of Airport Operations (DAO) will continue to closely assess the latest weather forecast information and will make a determination on closing the airport based on updates from the Bermuda Weather Service. Those scheduled to travel Saturday, Sunday or Monday, are urged to check with their respective airline.

Concerning public transportation, buses will continue to run on Saturday, September 8 unless sustained winds exceed 40 knots. The Sea Express Ferry Service will run to the end of the day on Friday, September 7 but all services will be suspended on Saturday, September 8 and Sunday, September 9.

Although the latest forecast shows the island will not experience hurricane force winds residents are still advised to check their emergency kits to be sure supplies are adequate. A typical emergency kit would include items such as flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, non–perishable foods, an ample water supply and disposable utensils. An updated Disaster Advisory Plan is posted on the Government Portal on the Ministry of Health website.

For more information on Hurricane Leslie, residents can tune in to or log on to the following:
Hurricane preparedness: www.emobermuda.com

Online weather updates: www.weather.bm <http://www.weather.bm/>

Televised weather updates: CableVision Ch. 4 and WOW Ch. 100

For The Public Forecast: Dial 977

For The Current Observation: Dial 9771

For The Marine Forecast Dial: 9772

For Latest Warnings & Tropical Information: Dial 9773

Government’s Emergency Broadcast station is on 100.1 FM.

Hurricane season officially began June 1, and concludes on November 30, 2012.

Good afternoon. We have all been watching the forecast for Hurricane Leslie and thankfully Bermuda is well prepared for what remains an unpredictable storm. As the updated weather information shows, this storm has stalled over the last several hours and has moved to the east of Bermuda. This movement has reduced the likelihood of a direct hit and caused the storm itself to be downgraded.

The Emergency Measures Organization has taken the approach that “forewarned is forearmed”. The preparations we have encouraged remain necessary because of the unpredictable nature of this weather event.

The onset of tropical storm force winds and those conditions that would make it unsafe for residents to be on the roads has been delayed. This means that for all intents and purposes, tomorrow (Saturday) appears set to be a normal day. Weekend activities can follow their normal pattern with the exception that all warnings for the use of our beaches must continue to be observed. Waves and currents will continue to be dangerous and I would remind everyone to take those warnings seriously.

On Sunday we are likely to feel the effects of the storm and so common sense and judgment should be used to ensure the safety of everyone.

There is always the potential for a change in the forecast and so I encourage everyone to monitor the weather through www.weather.bm and to listen for official advisories in the event of any change in conditions.

Bermuda is well prepared should this storm’s track alter in any way. Security and emergency services, private sector service providers and public service teams responsible for roads, transport and buildings are all in an advanced state of readiness. The work of all agencies has been impressive and Bermuda should feel extremely confident in our ability to manage all phases of an event of this nature.

Thank you

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