Video: Govt Provides Update On Ernesto

The government is holding a press conference this afternoon [Aug 16] to provide the latest update on Hurricane Ernesto. We will have additional information later on and you can watch the live video below and click here for our ongoing live updates on the storm.

Minister Weeks’ full statement follows below:

I am joined by the Premier the Hon. David Burt, Michelle Pitcher, the Director of the Bermuda Weather Service, and Mr. Lyndon Raynor, of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Mitigation team.

We have some important updates to share with you regarding Hurricane Ernesto, which is fast approaching Bermuda.

As you have just heard, Hurricane Ernesto seriously threatens our community. We are facing an intense and prolonged period of 36 hours of sustained winds, and dangerous weather conditions that will begin this afternoon and last throughout tomorrow and into early Sunday. Let me say that again: 36 hours of very powerful and life-threatening winds.

The Emergency Measures Organisation [EMO] met again this morning, and I want to share key decisions and actions taken to ensure everyone’s safety.

First, the Causeway will close at 9 p.m. tonight and not 10 – pm as earlier stated. This earlier closure is due to updated weather data that indicates that high winds will start earlier and are necessary to ensure the safety of all residents. Before it is reopened, the Ministry of Public Works will conduct a thorough assessment after the storm passes and which must be done during daylight hours.

As previously announced, the LF Wade International Airport will close at 8 p.m. tonight. Skyport has informed us that today’s British Airways flight is expected to arrive earlier than scheduled and leave around 6:30 p.m. I urge anyone with travel plans to stay informed and make necessary arrangements immediately.

The emergency shelter at CedarBridge Academy will now open an hour earlier at 5 p.m. This facility is available to all residents, particularly those who are vulnerable or without a safe place to stay. I cannot stress enough that if you require electricity to power oxygen delivery machines in a non- emergency setting, you should go to the emergency shelter early and do not wait until the last minute. KEMH should only be used in the event of an emergency.

Regarding public transportation, no ferry services will operate today, and the last bus will run at 6 p.m. this evening. There will be no public transportation services at all on Saturday. Please remain sheltered.

For those in need of urgent medical care, the Lamb Foggo Urgent Care Centre in St David’s will open tonight at 8 p.m. The Bermuda Hospitals Board [BHB] has strategically positioned ambulances at key locations across the island: one at King Edward Memorial Hospital, one at Port Royal Fire Station, one at Sylvia Richardson Seniors Residence in St. George’s, and one at Warwick Camp. However, let me be clear: Once winds reach 50 knots, ambulance crews cannot respond to calls for obvious safety reasons.

Government offices will service their last customer at 3 p.m. today and close at 4 p.m. Please ensure you have completed any necessary Government business before then.

As a reminder, during the storm, you should tune in to the Emergency Broadcast station at 100.1 FM for official information and updates. The station will begin broadcasting at 8 p.m. tonight.

Now, I must speak directly to every resident of this island. This is not a storm to be taken lightly. We are about to endure 36 hours of hurricane and tropical storm force winds, starting with tropical storm force winds this afternoon.

This is a significant period of time to be under such conditions, and it presents a considerable risk to life and property. If you do not take these warnings seriously, you are putting yourself in danger and the lives of our emergency personnel who may be called to assist you.

Please do not be fooled by the calm when the eye of the storm passes over us tomorrow. This lull in the winds does not indicate that the danger has passed. The storm is expected to move just west of Bermuda, and as the eye moves away, the winds will rapidly and dangerously pick up again with full force.

Venturing outside during this time could put your life at serious risk. The second half of the storm will be as intense, if not more so, than the first. Stay indoors and stay safe throughout the passage of this storm, which is essentially all day on Saturday, and until the all- clear is given. Folks, be under no illusion: This storm is the real deal.

Swimming in the seas during this time is extremely foolhardy and must not even be contemplated. Lifeguard services have already been suspended across the island.

To conclude, I remind you of the key points:

• The causeway will close at 9 p.m. tonight.
• The LF Wade International Airport will close at 8 p.m. tonight.
• The emergency shelter at CedarBridge Academy opens at 5 p.m. tonight.
• The last bus will run at 6 p.m. tonight, and there will be no public transportation on Saturday.
• The Lamb Foggo Urgent Care Centre will open at 8 p.m. tonight.
• Tune in to 100.1 FM for official updates during the storm.

Safety first! These powerful storms can cause widespread damage, with strong winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges. Preparedness vigilance and common sense are essential to protect lives and property.

Please take every precaution to protect your life and property. Stay indoors, stay safe, and I pray that we are all spared any real loss or damage.

Click here for all of our coverage of Hurricane Ernesto, and click here for our ongoing live updates on the storm.

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