Michael Dunkley praised the resilience of the people as Bermuda weathered one of its toughest ever storms.

Winds of more than 120mph may have been a shock to many — as Hurricane Nicole leapt quickly from Category 1 to Category 4 — but the Premier said the island’s skilful preparations and communication stood it in good stead.

Mr Dunkley was speaking to The Royal Gazette last night after immediate assessment showed hurricane damage “could have been much worse”.

“That storm was coming at us, going from a Category 1 to a 2, back to a 1. That all changed,” he said. “But because we were well organised, we were ready to do what we needed to do. This goes back to the resilience we have as a people.”

The Emergency Measures Organisation had prepared people for the worst, Mr Dunkley said.

“Hurricanes are fickle and we know they are going to change,” he said. “Yes, we had a very serious storm and it intensified as it got closer. But I’m absolutely delighted with the preparation, organisation and leadership that took place through the EMO.

“It just shows when you prepare and organise in the appropriate way you can get things done in difficult situations.

“We can breathe a sigh of relief. It could have been much worse. In the morning, we will rise and we can get back on track. I’m delighted there was no deaths or serious injuries.

“Congratulations to the Bermuda people for sticking to it and being resilient, and getting back on it to clean up. As I sit here and look at the initial assessment, I’m very proud that people heeded the message.”

Some people had already starting cleaning up yesterday evening, the Premier noted.

“Bermudians can be proud of how we recover, picking things up and helping each other,” he said.