Video: Govt Press Conference On Hurricane
[Updated] Minister of National Security Michael Weeks is holding a press conference this afternoon [Aug 15] to provide an update on Hurricane Ernesto, which is expected to impact the island starting tomorrow afternoon. 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.
Update: Key points from today’s press conference
▶️The Causeway will be closed at 10 p.m. on Friday and all day Saturday. The Ministry of Public Works will assess the structure on Sunday, and we will look to reopen it once it is deemed safe to do so.
▶️The section of South Road in Smith’s Parish between Watch Hill Park and John Smith’s Bay will be closed on Friday at 10 a.m.
▶️Bus services for all routes will be suspended from 8 p.m. on Friday, with the last bus running at 7 p.m. There will be no bus services on Saturday.
▶️There will be no ferry services on Friday, with the last ferry departing at 4 p.m. today.
▶️Government offices will close at 4 p.m. on Friday, with the last customer being served at 3 p.m.
▶️The Emergency Shelter at CedarBridge Academy will open from 6 p.m. on Friday and will remain open until conditions allow for safe closure.
▶️The Lamb/Foggo Urgent Care Centre in St. David’s will be operational from 8 p.m. on Friday and will close once the Causeway is reopened.
▶️The Royal Bermuda Regiment will be embodied on Friday evening
▶️The Emergency Radio station at 100.1 FM will begin broadcasting regular announcements from 8 p.m. on Friday.
▶️The airport will close at 8 p.m. on Friday. Passengers should check with their respective airlines for the status of their flights.
Update 6.30pm: Premier & Minister of Finance David Burt’s full statement follows below:
Good afternoon, Minister Weeks, Bermuda Weather Service Director Pitcher, Mr Lyndon Raynor of members of the local & international media – and good afternoon Bermuda.
I am pleased to be joined at this press conference by persons who represent the Emergency Measures Organisation who will provide Bermuda with the latest update on Hurricane Ernesto.
As we continue to monitor Hurricane Ernesto’s approach, I want to reinforce the message that has been shared by the Minister of National Security on the importance of staying informed and prepared.
The Government and the Emergency Measures Organisation (EMO) are fully engaged, working around the clock and guided by the Bermuda Weather Service to ensure you have the latest and most accurate information. I encourage everyone to stay tuned to the official Government channels only to stay updated.
I thank all of the emergency agencies, public officers, and first responders who have been and will continue to work around the clock and throughout the weekend.
To quote former Premier the Hon. Alex Scott, “Bermuda works best when we work together,” and this time will be no different. So let us please be sure to check on your neighbours, particularly the elderly and those most vulnerable.
To all of Bermuda, stay safe, continue to follow the guidance provided by our experts through the official channels, and please give your full support and cooperation to our emergency services.
I will now pass over to Director Pitcher from the Bermuda Weather Service for an update.
Thank you
Update 6.30pm: Minister of National Security Michael Weeks’ full statement follows below:
Good afternoon Premier, Ms. Michelle Pitcher, Director of the Bermuda Weather Service, members of the media, and fellow members of our community.
Yesterday, I addressed the community and emphasised, the importance of making all necessary preparations for the arrival of this serious storm. Today, following the latest meeting of the Emergency Measures Organisation [EMO] executive, I would like to outline the key decisions and actions we have taken to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone on our island.
First and foremost, I cannot stress enough the importance of completing your hurricane preparations immediately. For those who have not yet done so, I urge you to act now. Time is running out.
Here are the key decisions from today’s meeting.
- The Causeway will be closed at 10 p.m. on Friday and all day Saturday. The Ministry of Public Works will assess the structure on Sunday, and we will look to reopen it once it is deemed safe to do so. I strongly urge everyone to be off the roads by 7 p.m. on Friday to ensure your safety.
- In addition, the section of South Road in Smith’s Parish between Watch Hill Park and John Smith’s Bay will be closed on Friday at 10 a.m. We ask for your cooperation in avoiding these areas and staying off the roads during the storm.
- Public transportation will also be affected. Bus services for all routes will be suspended from 8 p.m. on Friday, with the last bus running at 7 p.m. There will be no bus services on Saturday.
- Additionally, there will be no ferry services on Friday. Updates on the resumption of ferry services will be provided when weather conditions allow.
- Government offices will close at 4 p.m. on Friday, with the last customer being served at 3 p.m. I encourage everyone to complete any necessary business with government offices before that time.
- For those in need of shelter, the Emergency Shelter at Cedarbridge Academy will open from 6 p.m. on Friday and will remain open until conditions allow for safe closure. We particularly encourage the vulnerable, including seniors and those without adequate shelter, to make use of this facility.
- The Lamb/Foggo Urgent Care Centre in St. David’s will be operational from 8 p.m. on Friday and will close once the Causeway is reopened.
- The Royal Bermuda Regiment will be embodied on Friday evening to provide support and manpower as needed during the storm. They are ready to assist in ensuring the safety and security of our community and to help in returning Bermuda to normalcy after the storm has passed.
- The Emergency Radio station at 100.1 FM will begin broadcasting regular announcements from 8 p.m. on Friday. I urge everyone to tune in for official updates and information as the situation develops.
- Finally, regarding air travel, the LF Wade International Airport will close at 8 p.m. on Friday. Passengers should check with their respective airlines for the status of their flights. We understand that Air Canada has already cancelled its flight to the island tomorrow, while American Airlines will operate a flight between Charlotte and Bermuda on Friday, considering the airport closure on Saturday.
I strongly advise against swimming in the ocean due to the increasingly dangerous seas. As a precaution, lifeguard services at Horseshoe Bay Beach will be suspended from 6 p.m. today until further notice. Red ‘high surf’ warning signs will be erected on beaches across the island this evening. Please adhere to these warnings and avoid all unnecessary risks.
With regard to trash collection, please place your trash out for collection as usual on Friday morning. However, if your trash is not collected by 5 p.m. on Friday, please bring it back inside and place it out again on Monday morning. For any additional trash resulting from the hurricane, you may take it to the public drop-off at Tynes Bay tomorrow between 7 am and 7pm. Tynes Bay will be closed all day on Saturday.
The EMO will reconvene on Friday morning to receive further updates and reassess the situation. We will continue monitoring the storm closely and we shall provide Further updates as they become available.
I want to remind everyone that we are in this together. The actions we take now will help protect our island and our community. Please remain vigilant, stay informed, and above all, stay safe.
Thank you.
