The Ministry of National Security advises that the Emergency Measures Organisation (EMO) Executive met today to assess the latest updates on Hurricane Humberto and Tropical Storm Imelda, both of which are expected to affect Bermuda this week.

As of the Bermuda Weather Service (BWS) 3.00 p.m. update, a Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for Bermuda. Hurricane Humberto was located 279 nautical miles south-southwest of Bermuda, moving northwest at 11 knots.

Maximum sustained winds are near 120 knots (138 mph) with higher gusts to 145 knots (167 mph). Humberto is forecast to pass approximately 190 nautical miles northwest of Bermuda late Tuesday.

• Winds: Tropical Storm-force winds are expected to reach marine areas by 6 pm – 7 pm Tuesday. Over land, winds will strengthen Tuesday evening, reaching 25–35 knots (29–40 mph) with gusts up to 50 knots (58 mph) in showers or thunderstorms overnight. Winds will steadily diminish early Wednesday morning.
• Rain: Bands of precipitation will cross the island Tuesday into early Wednesday, with up to 2 inches of rainfall possible.
• Seas: Conditions will deteriorate, with significant sea swells from Tuesday night into Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Imelda was located approximately 718 nautical miles west-southwest of Bermuda, moving north at 8 knots, with maximum sustained winds near 50 knots (60 mph) and gusts to 60 knots (70 mph).

Imelda is expected to strengthen into a hurricane as it approaches Bermuda and may pass over or very near the island late Wednesday night into Thursday morning. Further guidance on Imelda will be provided after tomorrow’s EMO meeting.

Minister of National Security, the Hon. Michael Weeks, JP, MP, said: “We are now facing a serious week of weather, with Hurricane Humberto due to impact us first, followed by Tropical Storm Imelda.

“I strongly urge the public to prepare, stay vigilant, and follow official updates from the Bermuda Weather Service. These storms must be taken seriously, and I encourage all residents to make safety their priority and start preparations today.”

Key Points from today’s EMO meeting:

• Causeway: No plans to close the Causeway in the next 24 hours. The EMO will review the situation at its next meeting at 10 am Tuesday before any decision is made.
• Airport: No closure planned in the next 24 hours. No flights have been cancelled at this time, though passengers should check directly with their airlines for updates.
• Cruise Ships: The Liberty of the Seas and Norwegian Aqua arrivals this week have been cancelled.
• Schools: No disruption to public schools over the next 24 hours.
• Government Offices: All Government offices will operate as normal over the next 24 hours.
• Emergency Shelter: No current plans to activate the Emergency Shelter in the next 24 hours.
• Public Transport:

o    Buses will continue normal service in the next 24 hours.

o    The Orange Route ferry service will be suspended as of 5 pm today due to wind conditions.

o    All remaining ferry services will be suspended from 8 pm Tuesday until further notice.

• Beaches and Lifeguards: The red ‘High Surf’ Warning signs have been erected at marine parks and beaches. Lifeguard services along the South Shore are suspended until conditions improve. The public is strongly advised to stay out of the water and use extreme caution near shorelines.

Minister Weeks added: “Bermuda has been through hurricanes before, and we know preparation saves lives and property. Please use this time to secure your homes, check on your neighbours, and ensure you have the essentials you need.

“The EMO will meet again at 10 am tomorrow, and we will provide further updates at that time, particularly regarding Tropical Storm Imelda.”

For the latest official updates, please visit the Bermuda Weather Service at www.weather.bm. Government guidance on preparing for a hurricane or storm can be found here.