Minister On Services & Restoration After Imelda
[Updated] Minister of National Security Michael Weeks has issued updates on weather, closures, transportation, government operations, and more following the passage of Hurricane Imelda.
Minister Weeks said, “Good day Bermuda. We have just finished an Emergency Measures Organisation [EMO] meeting and we continue to coordinate recovery efforts following Hurricane Imelda.
“As conditions gradually improve, the public is advised of the following updates:
Weather and Causeway:
- Winds are expected to slowly decrease over the next 24 hours, but gusts remain a factor. Please exercise caution when outdoors.
- The Causeway has been assessed and is open to traffic, though drivers should remain off the road while recovery efforts continue, unless there is an emergency.
Transportation:
- LF Wade International Airport is scheduled to reopen at 12:00 noon today, with the first flight arrival expected at 1:50 PM. Travelers should confirm flight details with their airlines.
- Department of Public Transportation [DPT] – Bus service is not operating at this point. The DPT is actively assessing road conditions along bus routes. Updates on service resumption will follow later today.
- Royal Bermuda Regiment [RBR] and work crews continue clearing the major thoroughfares, including Middle Road and Southshore Road. While we urge residents to stay off the roads, if you must traverse the island, please do so with extreme care, as there are some side roads that are impassable.
Government Operations:
- Pending final updates from the Ministry of Public Works and Environment it is anticipated that Government Offices will reopen and be fully operational tomorrow.
Education:
- All schools remain closed while assessments continue. The Ministry of Education is reviewing structural integrity and power availability at affected schools. A notice about whether schools will reopen tomorrow will be issued later this afternoon.
Shelters and Health:
- There were 54 individuals at the shelter at CedarBridge Academy. We understand that as the conditions improve individuals are leaving the facility. I want to thank Mr. Alfred Maybury, the Director of Child and Family Services and his team for their support over the course of yesterday and today.
- Lamb Foggo Urgent Care Centre remains operational and will continue to serve the public throughout the recovery period.
Emergency Services:
- Police reported a relatively quiet evening.
- Bermuda Fire & Rescue Service responded to sporadic utility pole fires overnight.
- Department of Corrections reported no incidents.
“Finally, I want to share some words of encouragement to all of Bermuda. We have just come through a serious Category 2 hurricane, and I want to commend the people of Bermuda for their preparations and unity.
“Your resilience in the face of adversity is nothing short of remarkable. As we continue the recovery process, please know that we are committed to restoring services and protecting lives. Please continue to support one another as we strive to get Bermuda back to normal.
“Lastly, I want to especially thank the tireless work of our emergency teams who worked around the clock to ensure all our safety. Please continue to stay informed and follow official guidance as we move toward full recovery.
“The EMO is going to meet again at 2.00pm, at which time we will provide further updates regarding schools, public transport, and other pertinent information for the public.
“Thank you.”
Update 5:05pm: Minister Weeks said, “Good afternoon.
“The Emergency Measures Organisation [EMO] met again at 2 pm today as we continue to coordinate recovery efforts following the passage of Hurricane Imelda.
“The public is advised of the following updates:
- “Winds continue to slowly decrease but everyone should exercise caution when outdoors.
- “The Causeway has been assessed and is open to traffic, though drivers should remain off the road while recovery efforts continue, unless there is an emergency.
- “LF Wade International Airport is open.Delta and British Airways are en route. American Airlines, United Airlines and Jet Blue have cancelled their flights today. Travelers should confirm flight details with their airlines.
- “Department of Public Transportation [DPT] – Bus service will resume at 6pm today. .Ferry service will resume normal service tomorrow morning.
- “Royal Bermuda Regiment [RBR] and work crews have cleared all of the major thoroughfares,
- “While we urge residents to stay off the roads, if you must traverse the island, please do so with extreme care, as there are some side roads that are impassable.
- “All Government Offices will reopen and be fully operational as normal tomorrow.
- “All schools remain closed while assessments continue. The Ministry of Education is reviewing structural integrity and power availability at affected schools. A notice about whether public schools will reopen tomorrow will be issued at 6 pm today.
- “There were 54 individuals at the shelter at CedarBridge Academy. They have all left and the shelter has closed. .
- “The Lamb Foggo Urgent Care Centre is now closed.
- “The Tynes Bay public drop off is open until 7 pm today.
- “The Marsh Folly horticultural drop off will close today at 4 pm.
- “The National Sports Centre pool will open at 6 am tomorrow.
- “All street lights in the City of Hamilton are operating.
“All emergency services are operating as normal.
“I am grateful for all of the help and support given by everyone who worked tirelessly around the clock to get Bermuda back to normal. They have done a great job of restoring our Country in the aftermath of Imelda.
“Please continue to support one another as we strive to get Bermuda back to normal.
“Thank you.”
