Govt Update On Schools, Buses, Airport, More
[Updated with video] Public schools will be closed on Friday, Government offices will open on Friday, bus services will run normally on Friday, ferries will be suspended, with the exception of the Pink Route, and the airport will be open on Friday, however travellers are urged to contact their respective airlines to learn of any flight cancellations.
This was from the Government as they provided an update, with a spokesperson saying, “The Emergency Measures Organisation [EMO] executive met today to further assess Tropical Storm Philippe’s impact.
“As of the Bermuda Weather Service advisory at 12 p.m. today, a Tropical Storm Warning remained in effect. Philippe was located around 410 nautical miles to the south of the Island, moving north at 10 knots [11 miles per hour].
“The storm had maximum sustained winds of 45 knots [51 miles per hour] with gusts to 55 knots [63 miles per hour].
“Its closest point of approach during the next 72 hours is expected to be 82 nautical miles to the west of Bermuda at 2 p.m. Friday, 6 October.
“The public should be aware of the following:
- Schools: Bermuda public schools will be closed on Friday, 6 October, out of an abundance of caution and will re-open on Monday, 9 October.
- Causeway: The Causeway will remain open and will be closely monitored.
- Government services: Government offices will open on Friday as per normal.
- Emergency Shelter: The Emergency Shelter at Cedarbridge Academy will be open to any resident who needs it from 9 p.m. on Thursday, 5 October.
- Airport operations: The LF Wade International Airport will be open on Friday. Travellers are urged to contact their respective airlines to learn of any flight cancellations.
- Public transportation: Bus services will run normally on Friday. Ferries on Friday will be suspended, with the exception of the Pink Route, which will operate normally. The Disney cruise ship will depart today, as expected, at 5 p.m.
- Trash collection: Friday’s garbage collection will be deferred until Saturday for collection. Residents should refrain from putting out garbage Friday night.
Minister of National Security Michael Weeks said: “The Emergency Measures Organisation has considered the conditions associated with Tropical Storm Philippe.
“We can expect increased winds and a wet day as a result of significant rainfall. Residents should ensure their preparations are complete by this evening.
“I know that people will want to be near the sea and out on the road this evening and Friday. However, I strongly urge against non-essential travel on our roads on Friday. Please exercise care and caution on the roads. If you don’t have to be on the roads on Friday, then please remain indoors.”
The Government spokesperson said, “The public can expect to see unsettled weather conditions later today. And Philippe will bring high seas, long periods of swells and hazardous surf, including rip currents. People are strongly advised not to enter the water during this time. Lifeguards have suspended operations at Horseshoe Bay Beach.”
“bus services will run normally”
What does that mean?
Well if it’s raining, it means no buses.
It means basically expect the normal cancellations without advance notice. The causeway will be monitored but they won’t tell you when the waves start coming across the causeway and government workers are expected to be on the job during the worst of this weather. Brilliance right???
Why not air on the side of caution and have all non essential personnel stay home??? It’s one business day. I miss the days when Bermuda was basically closed on Sundays and we used common sense during storms. Nowadays we have to go to work unless the causeway is closed. Never mind that the waves can knock you over on a bike long before winds reach 50 knots sustained. Never mind that salt water will get all over your vehicles and slowly but surely rust them out. Never mind that we have brand new electric buses that will also be hit by the salt water as they cross the causeway. We will close our schools and have all the parents at work to ensure maximum chaos in Bermuda ????????
Make me understand this comment from Minister Weeks, “I strongly urge against non-essential travel on our roads on Friday. Please exercise care and caution on the roads. If you don’t have to be on the roads on Friday, then please remain indoors.” If the only thing that has been deemed closed is the schools, wouldn’t that mean that the majority of people would still need to go out to work…… Thus having people on the roads…. Make it make sense I beg you!!!!!
A politician who says one thing but means another. Go figure!
Be safe Bda…love ya…