Below are the remarks given by the Acting Minister of National Security, the Hon. Jache Adams, JP, MP, during today’s public briefing on Hurricane Erin.
Minister Adams was joined by Phillip Rogers, Director of the Bermuda Weather Service (BWS) and Russann Francis, National Events Coordinator, Disaster Risk Reduction and Mitigation (DRRM) Unit.
The next BWS update on Hurricane Erin will be at 6.00pm today.
Good afternoon members of the media and the listening audience:
I wish to acknowledge the presence of Mr. Phillip Rogers, Director of the Bermuda Weather Service, who will provide the detailed forecast, and the presence of Ms Russann Francis, representing the Disaster Risk Reduction and Mitigation Team.
At midday, I chaired a meeting of the Emergency Measures Organisation executive.
The EMO is the body that brings together Government, essential services, and our key partners to ensure that Bermuda is ready to respond to any potential threat.
The focus today was Hurricane Erin, which is a large system currently in the Atlantic. Erin is not forecast to make a direct hit on Bermuda, but it will come close enough to bring tropical-storm-force winds, hazardous surf, and dangerous seas.
At this point, I’d like to turn it over to the Director of the BWS to share the latest storm forecast:
As the Director indicated, winds will strengthen on Wednesday. And on Thursday, Erin will make its closest point of approach, some 324 nautical miles to our west-northwest.
Seas will become increasingly hazardous. Today, yellow flags are flying on South Shore beaches.
Red flag warnings are likely in the days ahead, which means absolutely no one should be in the water.
From a public safety standpoint it is critical that the public check the weather conditions before entering the sea.
And in particular, surfers, swimmers, and boaters must resist the temptation to go out.
The waters will be very dangerous, and lives would be placed at risk.
I must be absolutely clear. Although Erin is not a direct threat, this is a powerful hurricane and it is the first time this season that Bermuda is feeling the effects of such a system.
We must use this storm as a timely reminder of the importance of being ready.
Now is the time to review your household supplies, check your hurricane kits, and make sure your property is secure.
All preparations must be completed by late Thursday morning.
I want to address complacency. Too often, when storms pass at a distance, people believe there is no need to prepare.
That attitude is dangerous. We must guard against complacency. I urge every resident to treat Erin as a serious test of your preparedness for the season ahead.
Do not wait until a storm is on our doorstep to take action. In terms of operations, let me provide an update.
At this time, there are no flight disruptions. However, the EMO is in close contact with the airport operator, Skyport, to ensure safety and continuity of service.
The Department of Marine and Ports is working with the cruise lines, and changes have already been made to itineraries in the interest of passenger safety.
The Liberty of the Seas call scheduled for August 18 – 19 has been cancelled.
Norwegian Jewel, which arrived today, will depart tomorrow, August 18, at 6:00pm.
Carnival Sunshine, scheduled for August 20 – 21, has been cancelled, as has the inaugural call of Norwegian Aqua on August 20.
The Vision of the Seas call, originally set for August 16 – 17, had already been cancelled.
Bus services will remain running on a regular weekday schedule for the rest of the week.
Ferry services on the Orange Route to St George’s will be cancelled beginning Tuesday.
The Blue, Pink, and Green Routes will continue as normal.
At the same time, I want to reassure the public that Bermuda will remain open for business.
The Causeway will remain open.
The airport will remain open.
Government offices will remain open.
The Bermuda Tourism Authority is in constant communication with stakeholders and there is no expectation of disruption to our wider tourism services.
The EMO will reconvene on Wednesday to assess the situation again. If the track of Erin changes, we are prepared to meet sooner.
We will continue to update the public with the latest information.
Rest assured, Government is prepared. The EMO agencies are prepared.
I am asking you, the public, to also be prepared.
Together, if we take this opportunity seriously, Bermuda will be ready for this hurricane season.
Thank you.
