Good afternoon:

Thank you for joining me.

Joining me today from the Disaster Risk Reduction and Mitigation Team, Ms Russann Francis and on the phone from the Bermuda Weather Service, the Director Michelle Pitcher.

As you will be aware, we convened an Emergency Measures Organisation Executive meeting at midday to get the latest on Hurricane Lee.

At this time I will turn it over to the BWS’s Michelle Pitcher to provide an update on Hurricane Lee.

Thank you, Michelle.

Based on this latest update, I want to share some additional information regarding public and emergency services as we prepare for Hurricane Lee.

I will also provide some critical information regarding the cleanup and assessment activities following the passage of the storm.

I cannot stress enough that we must all take this storm seriously.

In that regard, and in the interest of public safety, I am urging residents to move about the island cautiously, particularly on our roads.

As it relates to public services, at this stage, here's what I can advise:

• Government services will be operating normal, tomorrow, September 14^th. On Friday, in-person services at Government Offices will resume at noon to allow crews from the various sections to assess and remove debris.
• The Causeway will remain open, and will be closely monitored by the Ministry of Public Works.
• Public schools will be closed tomorrow, Thursday, and Friday out of an abundance of caution.

• Ferry services will be suspended tomorrow, and an assessment will be made on Friday morning and communicated to the public.
• Buses will run according to their normal schedules tomorrow until 5.30 p.m., when bus operations will be suspended. An assessment of routes will be carried out first thing on Friday morning.
• We are urging people to please stay off the roads so that our works crews can do the necessary cleanups and assessments.
• Concerning the LF Wade International Airport, flights will be suspended from 12 noon tomorrow – with the exception of tomorrow’s British Airways flights to and from the island, which are expected to proceed as scheduled. Passengers on other flights should check with their respective airlines.
• The Government shelter will not be opened.
• There will be no change to garbage collection services.
• Garbage collection will be collected as normal on Thursday, but please do not put out your trash on Thursday night. Wait for an announcement on Friday morning

The Parks Department has posted high surf warning signs along our public beaches and parks.

Lastly, I understand that our community has been through a lot with back-to-back storms, and I want to acknowledge the fatigue and concern many of you may be feeling right now. Going through serious storms can cause anxiety.

Our resilience is our greatest strength. I encourage our community to come together and support each other as we navigate this latest storm.

Monitor the Bermuda Weather Service, the official authority for storm updates, on weather.bm.

You can also follow the Bermuda Government social media plaforms to get the best possible facts for Bermuda’s weather conditions.

Finally, I want to extend my thanks and appreciation to all our member agencies in the EMO for their tireless work and dedication.

To all of Bermuda - please continue to stay safe, and take care of yourselves and one another.

The Ministry of National Security and the EMO will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.

Thank you.

CORRECTION: During today’s press conference, it was stated that the BA flight was to operate as per normal tomorrow (Thursday).  That is incorrect. 

It is Bermuda Air that will operate Thursday morning to Boston.  The airport will close at 12 noon and reopen Friday.  Thus, there will be no British Airways flight tomorrow evening.

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