Idalia Updates: Outages, Bus, Ferries Suspended
[Updating] The tropical storm warning remains for Bermuda was cancelled this evening [Sept 2] after Post-Tropical Cyclone Idalia swept past the island, resulting in windy weather, thousands of people losing power, the suspension of bus and ferry services and the cancellation of flights.
Update Sept 3, 10.30am | 382 Customers Out Of Power
BELCO: “As of 10:00am, we have the following storm-related outages to report:”
- St. Georges 21
- Devonshire 71
- Sandys 1
- Pembroke 105
- Smith’s 61
- Warwick 10
- Paget 27
- Southampton 18
- Hamilton 68
Update Sept 3, 9.30am | 380 Customers Out Of Power
BELCO: “As of 9:00am, we have the following storm-related outages to report:
- St. Georges 21
- Devonshire 63
- Sandys 1
- Pembroke 110
- Smith’s 61
- Warwick 10
- Paget 27
- Southampton 19
- Hamilton 68
“Since the 9:00pm update last night, our team was able to restore 599 customers. We now have a total of 380 customers experiencing an outage currently.
“Our crews are currently working to restore power to customers as quickly and safely as possible.”
Update 8.15pm: BELCO | 1,201 Customers Out Of Power
BELCO: “Since the 7:00pm update, our team has been able to restore 400 customers. We now have a total of 1,201 customers experiencing an outage currently, which represents roughly 3.3% of our customers. Our crews are working to restore power to customers as quickly & safely as possible.
Update 7.26pm | Bus Service To Resume on Sunday
Govt: “The Department of Public Transportation has advised that regular bus service [all routes] will resume tomorrow, Sunday, 3 September as per the schedule”
Update 6pm | Warning Cancelled & 1,931 Customers Out Of Power
As of the 6pm update, the BWS has cancelled the Tropical Storm Warning and no longer says that Idalia is a threat.
BELCO: “Since our 5:00pm update, our team has restored 114 customers or approximately 0.3% of our customers. We have a total of 1,931 customers experiencing an outage currently, which represents roughly 5.35% of our customers.As of 6:00pm today, we have the following storm-related outages to report:
- St. Georges 279
- Devonshire 444
- Sandys 49
- Pembroke 140
- Smith’s 70
- Warwick 589
- Paget 122
- Southampton 1
- Hamilton 237
Update 5.20pm: BELCO | 2,045 Customers Out Of Power
BELCO: “Since our 4:00pm update, our team has restored 636 customers or approximately 2% of our customers. We have a total of 2,045 customers experiencing an outage currently, which represents roughly 6% of our customers. As of 5:00pm today, we have the following storm-related outages to report:
St. Georges 371
Devonshire 444
Sandys 49
Pembroke 127
Smith’s 149
Warwick 589
Paget 122
Southampton 1
Hamilton 193
Update 4.20pm: BELCO | 2,681 Customers Out Of Power
BELCO: “We have a total of 2,681 customers experiencing an outage currently, which represents approximately 7.5% of our customer base. Our crews are currently working to restore power to customers as quickly and safely as possible. As of 4:00pm today, we have the following storm-related outages to report:
- St. Georges 439
- Devonshire 412
- Sandys 49
- Pembroke 727
- Smith’s 149
- Warwick 589
- Paget 122
- Southampton 1
- Hamilton 193
Update 1.16pm: BELCO | 3,592 Customers Out Of Power
BELCO said, “”We have a total of 3,592 customers experiencing an outage currently. Our crews are currently working to restore power to customers as quickly and safely as possible. Please keep in mind that due to the high wind gusts our restoration efforts are moving slowly. As of 1:00pm today, we have the following storm-related outages to report:
- St George’s 593
- Devonshire 417
- Sandys 38
- Pembroke 1,347
- Smith’s 149
- Warwick 589
- Paget 122
- Southampton 144
- Hamilton 193
Update 12.41pm: Govt | Various
The Government said the Causeway remains open and continues to be closely monitored, all public libraries have closed as of 12 noon, and red warning signs have been placed along the South Shore, with additional signage to be erected along the North Shore due to unsafe water conditions. Swimming is strongly discouraged due to adverse weather conditions
Update 12.33pm: Skyport | Flights Cancelled
A spokesperson said, “Skyport wishes to inform the public about travel disruptions at LF Wade International Airport [LFWIA] due to adverse weather conditions associated with Post Tropical Cyclone Idalia. All inbound and outbound flights between Bermuda and North America [Canada/US] have been cancelled/delayed for today.
“This includes the following:
Delayed until Sunday, September 3
American Airlines Charlotte CLT [AA2044]
American Airlines New York JFK [AA1289]
American Airlines Philadelphia PHL [AA825]
“Cancelled for Saturday, September 2:
Jet Blue New York LGA [B62177/2178]
Jet Blue Boston BOS [B6203/204]
Jet Blue New York JFK [B61931/2032]
BermudAir Boston BOS [2T301/302]
BermudAir Westchester HPN [2T223/224]
Delta Atlanta ATL [DL584/583]
United Airlines Newark EWR [UA1985/2392]
AirCanada Toronto YYZ [AC1818/1819]
“Airlines have indicated that additional flights may be added to the regular Sunday schedule to accommodate disrupted passengers. Skyport advises ticketed passengers to check with individual airlines for updates on re-scheduled flights .
“The airport is expected to remain open through the day. Skyport will continue to monitor weather conditions and any further impacts on airport operations. Additional flight updates and advisories can be found on the LF Wade International Airport website at bermudaairport.com.”
Update 10.16am: BELCO | 3,100 Customers Out Of Power
BELCO said, “Bermuda Electric Light Company Limited [BELCO] today provided an update on Tropical Storm Idalia which continues to impact Bermuda with gusty winds.
Managing Director of Transmission, Distribution and Retail [TD&R] Shelly Leman said: “Bermuda continues to be buffeted by strong winds and this has caused outages across the island. As of 12.00 pm approximately 3,100 customers were without power. The vast majority of outages were caused by vegetation coming into contact with our overhead network. BELCO crews are working as quickly and safely as possible to get power restored to all customers and I thank the public for their patience as this work continues.”
“Downed power lines pose an extreme danger and if a member of the public comes across a downed power line they should stay at least 33 feet or more away which is approximately three car lengths. Also be sure to unplug all sensitive electronics, appliances and equipment.
“The most important action residents and businesses can take to prevent outages is to ensure vegetation on their properties is trimmed at least 10 feet away from BELCO power lines. BELCO does not offer a tree trimming service and ensuring trees on private property remain 10 feet away from power lines is the sole responsibility of property owners.
“BELCO works to ensure that trees are cut back near main line circuits and some branch lines. Should property owners wish to trim their trees, it is critically important to remember that a power line’s electricity must be disconnected before trimming trees next to it. To schedule a temporary outage for tree trimming safety, property owners can call BELCO at 295-5111 or email treetrimming@belco.bm.“
Update 11.05am: BELCO | 3,216 Customers Out Of Power
BELCO said, “Since 10am, our crews have restored 1,685 customers or approx. 5% of our base. We have a total of 3,216 customers experiencing an outage currently, which is roughly 9% of our base. Our crews are currently working to restore power to customers as quickly and safely as possible.”
“As of 11:00 am today, we have the following storm-related outages to report:
- St. George’s 394
- Devonshire 366
- Sandys 38
- Pembroke 1529
- Smith’s 149
- Warwick 589
- Paget 122
- Southampton 1
- Hamilton 28
Update 11.01am: Govt | Buses To Be Suspended
Govt said, “This morning, Saturday, 2 Sept, the Department of Public Transportation has advised that due to weather and road conditions on some bus routes, services will be suspended at 12 noon today until further notice. DPT will provide an update on when service will resume.”
Update 10.16am: BELCO | 4,901 Customers Out Of Power
BELCO said, “As of 10:00am today, we have the following storm-related outages to report:
- St. Georges 384
- Devonshire 1,141
- Sandys 38
- Pembroke 899
- Smith’s 149
- Warwick 589
- Paget 276
- Southampton 86
- Hamilton 1,339
“Since 9am, our crews have restored 1,481 customers or approx 4% of our base. We have a total of 4,901 customers experiencing an outage currently, which is roughly 14% of our base. Our crews are currently working to restore power to customers as quickly and safely as possible.
“Due to high wind gusts our restoration efforts are moving slower than we would have hoped. Our crew must assess winds/gusts to maintain safety before being able to get in a bucket aerial device to restore power. The safety of our crew, customers & public is our first priority.”
BWS
The Bermuda Weather Service said, “For now, early this morning, it looks like the bulk of the precipitation from Idalia has passed, but still keep checking on the weather radar.
“The tropical storm force winds arrived overnight and the forecast right now is for the strongest winds to be in our area this morning through the afternoon.
“Idalia continues to remain challenging to forecast and we are adjusting our local forecast as necessary. We continue to receive greatly appreciated assistance from the National Hurricane Center as well. Stay safe and up to day with our latest information at www.weather.bm”
Ferries
A spokesperson said, “This morning, Saturday, 2 September, the Department of Marine and Ports Services has advised that until current weather conditions improve all ferry services are suspended. The Department will advise when service will resume.
BELCO
A spokesperson said, “As of 9:00am today, we have the following storm-related outages to report:
- St. Georges 618
- Devonshire 1,141
- Sandys 664
- Pembroke 726
- Smith’s 149
- Warwick 1,383
- Paget 276
- Southampton 86
- Hamilton 1,339
Some power outages the entire island is out with the exception of Tucker’s Town, the east end and the airport. Notice areas that BELCO hasn’t turned off are mostly underground.
I saw Belco trimming trees yesterday morning, surely this should have been done weeks ago? Its the same trees too, the palm trees on Chapel Rd, close to Harbour Road are always bringing lines down!
How many times is the power going to go off in one storm?! Not even a hurricane!! BELCO get your act together!! ????
a tropical storm and our delicate power grid is out imagine a 3/4 hurricane we be out for weeks lets get major linse under ground or at the least renew listing and dodgy poles that hold the tarnsformers .