Live Blog: Tropical Storm Gabrielle Updates
[Updating as of Wed, Sept 11 - Scroll to bottom for latest updates]
Today [Sept 10] Tropical Storm Gabrielle has redeveloped back into a Tropical Storm and is moving towards Bermuda. The expected closest point of approach is approximately 25 miles at midnight tonight.
After it was thought to have worn itself out over the mid-Atlantic Ocean earlier this week, the remnants of Tropical Storm Gabrielle have begun spinning northward since its breakdown on September 5, prompting warnings from meteorologists that the increased definition in the storm could lead to potentially dangerous conditions as it passes over Bermuda.
According to the Bermuda Weather Service, “Gabrielle has redeveloped back into a Tropical Storm and is moving towards Bermuda today with the closest point of approach to be within 25 miles west of the Island around midnight tonight.
“Expect tropical storm force winds, heavy rainfall, and thunderstorm activity to begin this afternoon and last through Wednesday morning. Conditions will slowly begin to settle starting Wednesday afternoon.”
Once Gabrielle passes over Bermuda, it is expected to continue to travel northeast as a tropical low, passing over or near the Canadian provinces of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland.
Due to the inclement weather today, Government has advised that the St. George’s ferry service has been suspended until further notice.
Update 11.07am: The Ministry of Public Safety advised today that a Tropical Storm Warning has been issued by the Bermuda Weather Service regarding TS Gabrielle.
As of 6.00am this morning, the BWS advised that Gabrielle’s closest point of approach to be within 25 miles west of the Island around midnight tonight.
The Island can expect to experience tropical storm force winds, heavy rainfall, and thunderstorm activity to begin this afternoon and last through Wednesday morning.
Conditions will slowly begin to settle starting Wednesday afternoon.
As a public safety precaution, the Ministry is advising motorists, particularly cyclists who are travelling about the Island today to use extra care and caution when traversing the Island’s roads and bridges. It is also advised that residents secure outdoor furniture, potted plants, garbage bins and any other items that could be blown about by the wind.
Meanwhile, the Ministry advised that at this time due to the current forecast, there are no plans to close the Causeway.
The Ministry advised that the BWS will be continue to keep the public abreast of the latest forecast regarding TS Gabrielle.
The public will be aware that Hurricane season officially began June 1, and concludes on November 30, 2013.
Members of the public can get the latest weather information by tuning in to or logging on to the following:
- Hurricane preparedness: www.emobermuda.com
- Online weather updates: www.weather.bm
- FaceBook updates: https://www.facebook.com/dciBermuda
- 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
Update 11.57am: Some airlines have cancelled flights for today. A Transport Ministry spokesperson said, “Tropical Storm Gabrielle has currently generated flight cancellations as would be expected due to the forecasted high winds throughout the early afternoon into the late morning hours.
“The following carriers have cancelled their flight operations into Bermuda as of 11am today:
- West Jet
- British Airways
- American Airlines (Miami and New York)
“The Airport is open and operating normally and do not anticipate any adverse effects or restrictions to our operations”.
Update 12.11am: United Airlines out of Newark has cancelled operations for the day.
Update 12.47pm: The Alliance Francaise would like to let everyone know that tonight’s showing of “Paris-Manhattan” at the BUEI, has been cancelled due to Tropical Storm Gabrielle. It is rescheduled for October 8th at the BUEI.
A spokesperson said, “We do apologize for any inconvenience. To make it up, please join us for our Pétanque Tournament this Friday, September 13th from 5:30 at the pétanque Lane at the Bermuda College. Also check www.alliancefrancaise.bm for information on other events.”
Update 2.57pm: The latest update from the National Hurricane Center in Miami, Florida says that Tropical Storm Gabrielle is stronger than previously estimated.
At 130pm the center of Tropical Storm Gabrielle was located about 95 miles South of Bermuda. Satellite data indicate that maximum sustained winds have increased to near 50 mph with higher gusts and some additional strengthening is possible in the next day or so.
Gabrielle is moving toward the north near 12 mph and this general motion is expected to continue through tonight. A turn toward the northwest and a decrease in forward speed are expected on Wednesday.
On the forecast track Gabrielle is expected to pass over or near Bermuda tonight and early Wednesday. Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 115 miles from the center.
Update 3.11pm: A Tourism Ministry spokesperson said, “In light of the tropical storm warning in effect for this evening, the Bermuda Department of Tourism’s entertainment audition has been postponed until tomorrow evening Wednesday, September 11, 2013 at Chewstick between 6-9pm”.
Update 3.49pm: View a slideshow of photos here showing the conditions around parts of the island as TS Gabrielle approaches.
Update 3.59pm: Winds knock out power to approximately 730 BELCO customers. A spokesperson said, “At approximately 2:34pm, a weather-related outage occurred in St. Georges, affecting approximately 730 customers in the area of Cut Road, Fort William.
“Crews responded and found a tree in overhead lines. Repairs commenced and the majority of customers had power restored by 3:45 PM. Investigation and work continue to restore power to the remaining customers.”
Update 4.37pm: BELCO advises that the remaining customers have had their power restored. Pre-Storm tips from BELCO can be found here.
Update 5.11pm: The EMO met this afternoon and have issued a TS Gabrielle update available here.
Update 5.27pm: The Celebrating Wellness event planned for Wednesday has been postponed. A spokesperson said, “Please be advised that, due to inclement weather, Celebrating Wellness will be postponed until Wednesday, 25th September [5.00pm – 8.00pm] in Victoria Park.
Update 6.09pm: Video below of South Shore areas earlier today as Tropical Storm Gabrielle approaches the island.
Update 7.09pm: The Emergency Measures Organisation [EMO] advised this evening that in light of the strengthening winds associated with Tropical Storm Gabrielle a decision has been made that schools will remain closed tomorrow.
The EMO noted that there is a strong likelihood that some roads will be impassible tomorrow making it difficult for transport commuter routes.
The public is encouraged to stay tuned to local media reports for further EMO updates regarding TS Gabrielle.
Update 8.21pm: For those seeking clarification of private school closures, we have confirmation that Warwick Academy and Bermuda High School [BHS] will be closed. We are attempting to find out about the others. The above EMO advisory pertains to the Government Schools.
Update 8.27pm: A BELCO spokesperson provided an update saying, “At 7:45 pm, BELCO can report three small outages with a total 156 customers without power. Crews are working to restore power, and will continue to do so throughout the night, as long as working conditions are safe, and as long as restoration makes sense in light of storm conditions.
“BELCO’s Operations Centre operates 24 hours every day, and will be continually monitoring the electricity transmission and distribution system, as well as the storm.
“As the storm nears it’s closest point of approach, we would expect weather-related outages to increase. As stated, crews will continue working to restore power during the storm, as long as they can do so safely, and as long as doing so is advisable, depending on storm conditions.
“Customers are advised to wait until the storm subsides to report outages by phoning 955. BELCO Operations Centre will be aware of outages affecting circuits and branch lines. It is important to call 955 so that smaller or isolated outages are recorded in BELCO’s automated Outage Management System. One call is sufficient to report an outage.
“BELCO will provide a thorough update first thing in the morning when the effects of the storm can be assessed. We encourage customers to put safety first for family, friends and loved ones. BELCO will be working to restore power efficiently and safely.”
Update 9.11pm: Somersfield Academy and Adult Education School have confirmed they will be closed tomorrow [Sept 11].
Update 9.43pm: The Mount Saint Agnes Academy website states: “MSA will be open tomorrow for all students. Please pay attention to this website or listen to the local radio station for any further updates from MSA.”
Update 10.03pm: A spokesperson for Adventureland Preschool and Nursery said, “Adventureland Preschool and Nursery will be closed tomorrow, Wednesday [Sept 11] due to the current weather conditions. We hope to be open on Thursday. Sept 12th and will monitor what the government/EMO decide.”
Update 10.09pm: A Saltus spokesperson said, “We have communicated with our parent body via email that we will remain open as long as it is safe to do so. We will check the campuses and weather and road conditions early in the morning and contact parents by email if we are going to close.”
Update 10.11pm: While the Emergency Measures Organisation [EMO] confirmed this evening that all Government public schools will remain closed tomorrow, the Ministry of Education is advising that all related education staff and personnel, including teachers and Principals will be required to report to work as normal unless advised otherwise by updated EMO advisories.
As a reminder, the EMO determined this evening that out of an abundance of caution and due to the rising winds and rapidly changing nature of TS Gabrielle a decision was made that all Government schools will remain closed tomorrow.
The EMO will provide a further update and assessment on all services tomorrow morning.
Update 10.27pm: The Onionpatch Academy will be closed tomorrow due to Tropical Storm Gabrielle and reopen on Thursday.
Update 10.57pm: A spokesperson for Little Learners Preschool said, “We would like to inform the parents of Little Learners Preschool that we will be closed tomorrow and will contact parents after inspection of our property.”
Update 11.37pm: The First Church of God Nursery will be closed tomorrow, September 11th, due to the impending storm.
Update 12.47am [Sept 11]: The National Hurricane Center 11pm advisory said Gabrielle slows as it nears Bermuda. Tropical Storm Gabrielle was located about 25 miles SSW of Bermuda with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph with higher gusts. Gabrielle is moving toward the North near 8 mph.
The Bermuda Weather Service reports the storm’s closest point of approach to Bermuda within 72 hrs [3 days] is forecast to be within 25 nm of the Island, 2am Wednesday [Sept 11].
Graphic Courtesy of the United States National Hurricane Center:
Update 7.12am [Sept 11]: The Bermuda Weather Service said that Gabrielle’s closest point of approach to Bermuda has passed.
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Articles that link to this one:
- Slideshow: Tropical Storm Gabrielle Approachs | Bernews.com | September 10, 2013
- Celebrate Wellness At Victoria Park Wednesday | Bernews.com | September 10, 2013
Sounds like a Tuesday in February.
Some airlines have cancelled flights for today. A Transport Ministry spokesperson said, “Tropical Storm Gabrielle has currently generated flight cancellations as would be expected due to the forecasted high winds throughout the early afternoon into the late morning hours.
“The following carriers have cancelled their flight operations into Bermuda as of 11am today:
West Jet
British Airways
American Airlines (Miami and New York)
“The Airport is open and operating normally and do not anticipate any adverse effects or restrictions to our operations”.
DOES ANYONE READ BEFORE THEY FORWARD THINGS LIKE THIS!!
I thought the same thing !!!!
only goverment lol (i’m missing the n), remember that fiasco.
LOL the closest point is 25 miles at midnight tonight but yet W&E are finished working already!!! LOL They always be looking at someway to NOT work. You guys are real funny.
Finished working? Did they ever start??
they’ll be calling in sick tomorrow but it makes no diff cause they dont do any work they they on site. but i surly see the tinted nice w&e truck going up and down the street. smh
Dem bies clocked in nice and early today, looked up saw some clouds sat back down and called it a day bruh! *Of course they’d still be on the clock till 5 tho*
Passed one truck on Blue Hole Hill, looks like one came through Crawl as well, picked up a few spots along the main road, went half-way through some neighbourhoods; the birds are having a field day with the bags.
Ironic how you make fun of those guys but let them not pick up your trash for a few weeks and see who would be laughing. LMAO
Your accusations against the workers are laughable not knowing why and how they work , I bet if you hecklers tried doing their job, standing on a 12 inch grate while maneuvering Bermuda’s narrow winding roads ,smelling all your sh1t that you waste and trying to dodge traffic while picking up trash because a$$e$ like you are too much in a hurry. Further more they have to make sure they have their shots on a regular basis ,they have good benefits, good insurance (because a few of them have lost limbs through accidents because of wreck less drivers) and the overtime pay is good (something a lot of workers would envy), so before you go blabbing your sh1t think of those who pick up yours. I bet you wont last an hour. PUNKS!!! LMAO
We have winter days wjere these winds blow all day long..
Regiment band stuck in Miami. Have one on me guys!
SMH. There’s an empty plastic water bottle in my yard, hasn’t moved all day, we’re good. See all this confusion, if I ran the EMO we would have 3 simple stages of alert…Normal, get your helmet, and put your f***n helmet on. my neighbor is cleaning his car right now, we’re good.
So when the bottle moves what stage will that move to?
lol get your helmet obviously, it’s still there so we’re good, keep calm and carry on.
well the cruise that usually leaves today is still here. Guess they said they’re not gonna ride the storm out at sea, lets just stay in Bda an extra nite.
I hope the stores stay open – Buy BDA! HA.
School closed tomorrow? this decision should have been made tomorrow morning….
so why is school closed? another unplanned day Government, lost from the student’s academic year and a parents schedule. should we add back December 20th? Maybe they should have the custodians still review the properties and advise school would be open
So far, I have to go to school
Would that be all schools closed or just government schools ?
I think it’s just PLP schools. LMAO
is saltus cancelled too?
Not at the moment.
BHS is closed so I’m sure Saltus will be also.
So far, no decision – Headteacher has emailed that they’ll assist early in the morning:
9th September 2013
Dear Parents,
We are monitoring the tropical storm situation closely. Our plans are to remain open tomorrow as long as it is safe to do so. We will check both Lower Primary and St John’s Road campus early tomorrow morning to assess whether it is safe to open, taking into account the weather conditions and any damage. We will also monitor the roads and transportation as this may affect our ability to open.
We will alert you by email early tomorrow morning if we are going to close.
Best wishes,
Claire Charlemagne
Head of School
Assess not assist….
Really? How on earth does it make sense to decide now, more than 12 hours before school is due to start, that schools will be closed tomorrow. Is it really that difficult to assess at 6am and make the call then?
Surprised myself!
Possibly because, as they’re Government schools, they have to make a decision across the board rather than individual private schools making the decision for their campus alone?
you say that but each school has a head and a custodian…example, TN Tatem did not start the same day as the others this september, a government choice.
they should have learnt their lesson from last year’s first day of school storm that never came to visit
House of Assembly is closed.
Bawahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
On nana duty tomorrow… no school…my day off
Saltus and MSA are the only two schools open tomorrow. They will advise in the a.m. If there is a change.
Is Bermuda Institute closed for tomorrow?
Latest is that Saltus has been told they will hear early tomorrow morning if the school is going to close. Don’t ask me why.
Probably because by 7am the storm will be 7 hours past us and we’ll have that much better an idea of how the island has been affected than we can possibly have now.
Okay Moojun, that sounds sensible and may well set a good precedent.
Let’s hope so, thanks Spoons.
All that money private schools charge? They better be open tomorrow and every day of the school year. They should be open in the summer as well.
Actually, on a $ per student basis, public schools in Bermuda cost more than private ones.
Absolutely right…only difference is that in the private system, parents pay the fees for their own children…in the gummint system, everybody else pays for the students.
What are you grumbling about? The Gumbermint schools cost over $4000 more per student, get weeks less class time & close at the first bit of breeze.
You ARE aware that they’re non-profit, right?
Just goes to show what govt depts do. Rain, go home. While the real workers look after the Bermuda economy/ tourism/etc. We do our job whatever the weather. Warwick Academy Closed
By the way, I will be at work Wed, to look after my customers in my job, on the road,while others will be, well, be elsewhere, yep at home, not at work, just because of a storm, they can still be more effective at their job, W & E take note.
Anyone else not getting the Bermuda AWOS website to display information?
Teachers have to go in tomorrow….what to do with my child? Guess she will be going with me and do some homeschooling at school.
torching the poor child lol
Did you mean torturing? Or torching…IE: setting fire to the child??
LOL!
Sooooo I mean it can’t be that bad. Send the darn kids school
NEXT TIME ALL YOU COMPLAINING PARENTS/EVERYONE ELSE….BE PREPARED FOR EVERYTHING AND ANYTHING THEN YOU WON’T HAVE TO BI**H AND MOAN LIKE YOU ALWAYS DO WHEN SOMETHING DOESN’T GO YOUR WAY, SOUND LIKE YOUR CHILDREN, GROW UP!!
If you would have been prepared this wouldn’t have even mattered. Lazy f***s!