EMO Statement: Airport, Roads, Schools & More

September 9, 2012

The Emergency Measures Organisation provided an update on Tropical Storm Leslie at 6.30pm this evening [Sept 9], saying the Causeway remains open, Government offices will open on Monday, the airport resumed operations at 6pm, buses resumed at 5.30pm, and ferry service will be suspended on Monday while the fleet and docks are inspected

Summary Information:

  • The Ministry of Public Works has inspected roads and report no issues.
  • The Causeway remains open
  • Buses are running starting at 5.30pm today [our unofficial sources dispute this]
  • Motorists are asked to to report any debris or obstructions to 295 0011.
  • Government offices will be open on Monday morning.
  • Schools will open for principals and teachers on Monday and students will return on Tuesday
  • The Education Ministry said the school days lost will be made up later in the school year.
  • The CedarBridge Emergency shelter remained ready, but was not required.
  • Following a brief closure the airport resumed operations at 6pm this evening
  • British Airways expected to land at 7.12pm and depart at 9pm
  • Buses will be operating this evening at 5.30pm
  • Ferries will be suspended on Monday while the fleet and docks are inspected
  • Update on ferry service to be give by noon tomorrow
  • The cruise ship Norweigan Star delayed their arrival in Bermuda, expected to arrive Tuesday

National Security Minister Wayne Perinchief said: “Bermuda has been blessed. We have not had any reports of injuries or major damage and as the storm is now moving away from the island the Emergency Measures Organisation has given the ‘all clear’ as of 6 p.m.”

“Bermuda was certainly spared the worst of Tropical Storm Leslie. Despite a few power outages and cancelled flights it will be business as usual tomorrow. I would ask the public to remain cautious as there may be loose tree limbs and debris and the ocean is still dangerous for swimming. Let me also thank the members of the EMO, utility companies, local businesses and residents who all prepared for this storm.”

The full statement from the EMO follows below:

Emergency Measures Organisation Provides Update on Tropical Storm Leslie

The Hon. Wayne Perinchief J.P., M.P., Minister of National Security today provided an update on Tropical Storm Leslie.

Minister Perinchief said: “Bermuda has been blessed. We have not had any reports of injuries or major damage and as the storm is now moving away from the island the Emergency Measures Organisation has given the ‘all clear’ as of 6 p.m.”

The latest information from the Bermuda Weather Service (BWS) is that Leslie remains a Tropical Storm with winds of 50 knots and is moving away from the island in a northerly direction at 12 knots.

Tropical storm force winds reached across the island as well as into our marine area as forecast. The closest point of approach has now passed.

As of the 6 p.m. advisory, TS Leslie is located 151 nautical miles to our ENE and a Tropical storm force winds will continue to affect the eastern marine area until 9pm. A Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect but is likely to be discontinued for the 9pm Intermediate National Hurricane Center advisory.

Minister Perinchief said: “Bermuda was certainly spared the worst of Tropical Storm Leslie. Despite a few power outages and cancelled flights it will be business as usual tomorrow. I would ask the public to remain cautious as there may be loose tree limbs and debris and the ocean is still dangerous for swimming. Let me also thank the members of the EMO, utility companies, local businesses and residents who all prepared for this storm. It is certainly better to be safe than sorry and with the peak of the Atlantic Hurricane Season tomorrow, September 10th, we will be well prepared if any other storms come our way.”

Updated information for the public includes:

The Ministry of Public Works Highways Team has inspected roads and report no issues. The Causeway remains open. Motorists are asked to exercise caution on the roads and to report any debris or obstructions (non-emergency) to 295 0011.

Government offices will be open on Monday morning.

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 Ministry has further advised that those school days lost will be made up later in the school year.

The Emergency shelter at Cedarbridge Academy remained in a state of readiness but was not required.

Following a brief closure the LF Wade International Airport resumed operations at 6 p.m. this evening. The only scheduled flight is British Airways 2233 from London, Gatwick, expected to arrive at 7.12 p.m. and depart at 9 p.m. Travellers whose flights were cancelled should contact their airlines for information on alternative flights.

Concerning public transportation, buses will being operating this evening at 5.30 p.m. The Sea Express Ferry Service will be suspended on Monday, September 10 while the fleet and docks are inspected. An update on service resumption will be sent by noon.

The Department of Marine and Ports has also advised that the cruise ship Norweigan Star will delay their arrival in Bermuda and now expect to arrive on Tuesday, September 11.

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Articles that link to this one:

  1. Live Blog/Six Video Feeds: Tropical Storm Leslie | Bernews.com | September 9, 2012
  1. toni says:

    Sooo… what are government workers that have kids in government schools suppsed to do?!

    • Glad everyone was safe says:

      The same thing every other employed person with children in government schools have to do?

  2. Terry says:

    The Young and The Restless…………………….
    Amazing.

  3. Hurricane Leslie says:

    You will either find a babysitter to deal with them or take off as you normally do.

  4. Think a little deeper says:

    I still can’t believe schools aren’t returning tomorrow. What a joke!

    • come on now says:

      If you recall before the storm, principals and teachers had to report to the schools to prepare the buildings for a hurricane. Obviously the schools now must be returned to a state suitable for students to return. Its called Logistics. Not a joke (sigh)