Ministry Advises Caution During Winter Gales
[Updated] Bermuda remains under a Severe Weather Watch and a Storm Watch, with the Ministry of National Security urging caution as winter gale conditions continue, while stressing there are no plans to close the Causeway.
A Government spokesperson said, “Bermuda remains under a Severe Weather Watch and a Storm Watch according to the Bermuda Weather Service [BWS], and the Ministry of National Security is advising the public to take extra precautions when traversing the island today as winter gale conditions continue.
“Forecasts from the BWS indicate that winds will strengthen later today and peak overnight, with strong westerly gusts coinciding with high tide.
“While gusty conditions are anticipated, the Ministry stressed that there are no plans to close the Causeway, despite media reports.
“However, in the interest of public safety, the Ministry notes that these conditions will create challenging and hazardous driving environments, particularly along the Causeway.
“The Ministry therefore urges residents [particularly motorcyclists and auxiliary riders] to remain vigilant and exercise extreme caution if they must cross the Causeway during periods of deteriorating weather.
“Ideally, residents are encouraged to limit non critical travel, particularly later this evening as winds strengthen.”
This afternoon, Minister of National Security Michael Weeks said, “The safety of our community remains our priority. While current forecasts do not indicate the need to close the Causeway, we are monitoring conditions closely. We ask the public to please use good judgment, avoid unnecessary travel. Please continue to rely on official information sources and stay alert as the weather evolves.”
The spokesperson said, “The public is encouraged to follow official Government of Bermuda channels for the latest advisories and updates. The Ministry of National Security will continue to closely monitor the system throughout the evening and will provide additional updates if conditions change. For weather updates, visit www.weather.bm.”
Update: A Government spokesperson said, “The Ministry of National Security is issuing an updated public safety advisory this evening as winter gale conditions continue to intensify across the island.
“Weather forecasts indicate that winds will strengthen further this evening, with the strongest gusts expected between 11.00 p.m. tonight and 6.00 a.m. tomorrow morning.
“These conditions will produce hazardous driving environments, especially in exposed areas.
“The Ministry confirms and reiterates that the Causeway will not be closed and remains open.
“However, worsening winds combined with increased coastal sea levels are expected to generate significant spray across the bridge crossing. This also extends to Watford Bridge in the west end.
“Motorists, particularly motorcycle and auxiliary cycle riders, are strongly urged to stay off the roads during this peak weather window. Ideally, travel should be limited to emergencies and essential movement only.
“More specifically, residents and motorists are urged to:
- “Avoid the Causeway as well as Watford Bridge after 11.00 p.m. tonight unless travel is absolutely essential.
- “Stay off the roads wherever possible during the peak wind period of 11.00 p.m. to 6.00 a.m.
- “Continue to use extreme caution if they must travel before conditions worsen.
The Minister of National Security Michael Weeks said, “Conditions are expected to worsen significantly later tonight. While the Causeway remains open, we are advising the public to avoid crossing it, or Watford Bridge, after 11.00 p.m. unless absolutely necessary. Our priority is to keep everyone safe, and we urge residents to stay off the roads during the peak gusts.”
A Government spokesperson added, “The Ministry will continue to monitor the weekend weather system throughout the night and will issue additional updates if conditions change.
“The public is encouraged to follow official Government of Bermuda channels for the latest advisories and updates. The Ministry of National Security will continue to closely monitor the system throughout the evening and will provide additional updates if conditions change. For weather updates, visit www.weather.bm.”
Update: A Government spokesperson said, “Bermuda remains under a Severe Weather Watch and a Storm Watch according to the Bermuda Weather Service [BWS].
“This evening the Department of Public Transportation [DPT] advised that all public bus service was suspended this evening due to extreme weather conditions.
“The last buses departed at 8.45 p.m.
“Service will cease for the remainder of tonight to ensure the safety of passengers and staff.
“Bus operations will resume tomorrow once wind conditions subside and as it is safe to do so. A further advisory will be issued to confirm service resumption.
“The Department thanks the public for their understanding and urges everyone to exercise caution during the ongoing severe weather.
“The public is encouraged to follow official Government of Bermuda channels for the latest advisories and updates. The Ministry of National Security will continue to closely monitor the system throughout the evening and will provide additional updates if conditions change. For weather updates, visit www.weather.bm.”
