Bermudians were being urged to closely monitor the passage of two hurricanes that could begin affecting the British Overseas Territory later on Tuesday.
The Emergency Measures Organisation (EMO) said that Hurricanes Humberto and Imelda were on track to pass ‘over or very near the island late Wednesday night into Thursday morning’.
National Security Minister, Michael Weeks, said the island faces ‘a serious week of weather’ between the two storms, adding ‘I strongly urge the public to prepare, stay vigilant and follow official updates from the Bermuda Weather Service (BWS).
‘These storms must be taken seriously, and I encourage all residents to make safety their priority and start preparations today.’
The Miami-based National Hurricane Center (NHC) said that the center of Hurricane Humberto was located near latitude 31.6 North, longitude 69.4 West and it is moving toward the north-northwest near 17 miles per hour (mph). It is located 275 miles west of Bermuda with maximum sustained winds of 100 miles per hour (mph).
‘A turn to the north is expected today, followed by a much faster northeast or east-northeast motion on Wednesday and Thursday. On the forecast track, the center of Humberto will pass west of, and then north of Bermuda today and Wednesday.’
The NHC said that continued weakening is forecast, with Humberto expected to become a strong extratropical system on Wednesday.
Regarding Hurricane Imelda, the NHC said that it is 755 miles west south west of Bermuda with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph.
It said that a Hurricane Watch is in effect for the island and that Imelda is moving toward the northeast near seven mph.
‘This general motion is expected through today, followed by a turn towards the east-northeast at a faster forward speed by tonight. On the forecast track, the center of the system should move away from the Bahamas today and quickly be approaching Bermuda late on Wednesday.’
The NHC said that the storm should gain strength during the next 48 hours.
Meanwhile, the EMO said that there were no plans to close the LF Wade International Airport and that while no flights had been cancelled, passengers were advised to check directly with their airlines.
Government offices and public schools were to run as normal for the next 24 hours, and there was no plan to activate an emergency shelter.
Two cruise ships, the Liberty of the Seas and the Norwegian Aqua, have already cancelled scheduled calls.
‘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,’ Weeks said.