Residents urged not to be complacent about Maria (Update)

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2PM UPDATE: Tropical Storm Maria is set to bring high winds to Bermuda tonight, with rain increasing throughout today.

Sustained winds of between 34-63 knots (39-73mph) can be expected.

Maria is expected to be 138 miles west-northwest of the island at lunchtime tomorrow. Storm force winds and rain are expected to persist well into Thursday.

But forecasters said that conditions will improve “dramatically” by Friday, with winds dropping and sunny periods.

The storm is currently 490 nautical miles south-southwest of Bermuda, moving north at 12 knots and packing winds of up to 60 knots.

Minister for National Security Wayne Perinchief said current predictions do not warrant closure, but that conditions may change.

He added drivers and motorcyclists should use caution when travelling on wet roads in expected high winds.

Mr Perinchief urged people to be prepared for hurricanes and to stock up on essentials.

He said: “Please do not be complacent. We’ve been lucky thus far, but there is still a ways to go. The hurricane season doesn’t end until November 30.”

Mr Perinchief added that residents should also familiarize themselves with the Emergency Measures Organization (EMO), which includes representatives from the Bermuda Weather Service, emergency services, Government and BELCO.

He said: “The EMO carefully assesses what is happening before, during and after a hurricane and will take any necessary decisions that are in the best interests of the residents of the island.

“It’s important for residents to understand that information disseminated from any other source is not official.”

For further information and updates, visit www.emobermuda.com or join the EMO Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/emobermuda or follow the service on Twitter at www.twitter.com/emobermuda.

The emergency broadcast system can be found at 100.1 FM.