EMO: Schools, Offices To Open Tomorrow
The Emergency Measures Organisation [EMO] today advised that schools remain open tomorrow as will Government offices, and as the worst of the storm is expected to pass to our east and it will be “business as usual tomorrow.”
Minister of National Security and Chairman of the EMO Wayne Perinchief said: “The EMO met this morning and received the latest update from the Bermuda Weather Service (BWS).
“As of the 9:00 a.m. advisory, Tropical Storm Rafael is expected to pass approximately 126 miles to Bermuda’s east south east on Tuesday, October 16th at approximately 8:00 p.m. Rafael is expected to bring storm force winds and rough seas. However, we are expecting the worst of the storm to pass to our east and it will therefore be business as usual tomorrow.”
Minister Perinchief also said that the storm is expected to strengthen to a Category 1 hurricane as it passes and urged residents to be prepared and monitor the storm for any change in strength and direction.
- Public Schools will be open tomorrow as will all Government offices.
- The Sea Express ferry service and Department of Public Transportation will run commuter services tomorrow and will assess the weather as the storm moves closer.
- The Department of Airport Operations will continue to closely assess the latest weather forecast information and will make any determination on potential airport disruptions based on updates from the Bermuda Weather Service.
The EMO said: “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.”
The Bermuda Weather Service upgraded the Tropical Storm Watch to a Tropical Storm Warning at 11.30am today [Oct 15], and said that its closest point of approach to Bermuda within 72 hrs [3 days] is forecast to be 118 nm to the ESE at 10pm tomorrow [Oct 16]. Rafael is presently 645 miles south of Bermuda, moving NNW at 9mph.
WOW! this is a SURPRISE! from the above statement it appears that everything will operate as normal… it must be an election coming. LOL