Video & Text: Today’s Gonzalo Press Conference

Good afternoon.

Hurricane Gonzalo is continuing on its forecasted track towards Bermuda and therefore everyone should continue to prepare for significant wind and waves starting late tonight.

As I said yesterday, it is important that all preparations are completed this afternoon before the winds increase through the night.

This hurricane is a large storm and we should expect at least 24 hours of storm force winds. During this time I want to encourage everyone to stay inside, and particularly off the roads.

Already, there is very high surf on the South Shore and the department of Parks is placing signs, warning the public that beaches are closed.

No one should take the risk of surfing or attempting to swim in these dangerous conditions.

Bermuda we can be confident in the preparation of all of the responsible agencies both in advance of this hurricane and for any eventuality in the aftermath.

Significant resources will be positioned in the east end of the Island should there be damage to the Causeway.

Likewise, full hurricane plans have been activated by the hospital and other agencies which will ensure responses to emergencies as soon as it is safe to do so.

Out of an abundance of caution, the Royal Navy vessel HMS Argyll is heading to Bermuda behind the storm and is available to provide considerable, skilled assistance should we have the need after the hurricane passes Bermuda.

• There are some important advisories of which the public should take note:
• Government schools closed as of 1.30pm today
• The last public buses will leave Somerset and St. George’s at 6pm today
• Ferries will end their service at 7pm
• If your trash has not yet been collected please store it somewhere safe until after the storm
• There is a shelter available from 3pm today at CedarBridge Academy
• All residents in low lying residential areas should strongly consider evacuating their homes for higher ground
• Lastly, the Causeway will close at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow.

The decision to close the Causeway is based on the forecasted, deteriorating conditions throughout Friday.

In the interest of public safety I am encouraging everyone to take notice of this closure and end their Causeway-related travel well before midnight tonight.

Bermuda we are prepared.

Well rehearsed plans for most contingencies are enacted, and as we hope for the best, we are prepared for the worst.

We will come through this and once this serious storm has passed it will be for us to work together to restore our island home to normal.

Thank you and stay safe.

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