The Emergency Measures Organisation (EMO) Executive met this afternoon to discuss preparations for Hurricane Melissa, which is now officially considered a threat to Bermuda.
The EMO advised that no decisions regarding potential closures or emergency measures were made during today’s meeting.
However, the EMO will meet again tomorrow (Wednesday) afternoon.
And any decisions regarding possible service interruptions will be considered after further consultation between local forecasters and the National Hurricane Centre (NHC). Residents will be advised of any service updates shortly after the meeting.
In the meantime, residents are urged to use the time they have available to prepare.
As of the 12.00 p.m. update from the Bermuda Weather Service (BWS), Hurricane Melissa is a Category 5 hurricane located approximately 1,117 nautical miles southwest of Bermuda.
The storm is moving north-northeast at 8 knots (9 mph). Melissa is currently impacting Jamaica and is forecast to cross eastern Cuba tomorrow before accelerating northeastward toward Bermuda. Maximum sustained winds are near 160 knots (184 mph) with gusts up to 190 knots (219 mph).
The official forecast track brings Melissa just west of Bermuda early Friday morning (1.00 a.m.) at 37 nautical miles west of the Island.
The BWS notes there may be sustained winds of 40 to 60 knots with gusts potentially up to 80 knots (92 mph) late Thursday night into Friday. Seas are expected to build to 20 to 30 feet offshore.
A Tropical Storm Watch may be issued later this evening, followed by a Tropical Storm Warning and possibly a Hurricane Watch within 12 hours after that. The EMO will continue to monitor developments closely and will provide updates as the forecast evolves.
Following today’s EMO Meeting, the Minister of National Security, Michael Weeks said, “We have all seen how fast things can change with these storms. One day they look like they are not coming our way, the next thing, they are knocking on our doorstep. Melissa is already an unprecedented powerful storm. Right now, it looks like it will pass very close to Bermuda. We have time to prepare, but that window will close quickly. We cannot afford to take this lightly.”
The Minister acknowledged that after a long hurricane season, many may feel storm fatigued or think Melissa will weaken before reaching Bermuda.
He said, “I know some people are tired of hearing about storms, but this one is different. It is strong, it is moving our way, and if we let our guard down, it could catch us off guard like storms have done before. We have to use these next few days wisely, secure our homes, check our plans, and make sure our families are ready. The hurricane season is not over until 30 November. We have to stay ready.”
Residents can find preparedness information, checklists, and safety guidance at www.gov.bm/are-you-ready-hurricane-season.
The EMO and the Government of Bermuda will continue to issue updates as the situation develops. The public can stay abreast of weather updates at www.weather.bm.