“Business as usual” was declared for today as a weakened Tropical Storm Jerry was forecast to pass near Bermuda this afternoon.

School, government offices and the Causeway will remain open, and buses are out on the roads, although the ferry service remains suspended.

Trash collection is to operate as normal, and the Royal Bermuda Regiment remains embodied. However, the clean-up from Hurricane Humberto last week continues in earnest, and Tropical Storm Karen, drifting north from Puerto Rico, last night presented a potential threat to the island for later in the week.

Wayne Caines, the Minister of National Security, warned yesterday: “Out of an abundance of caution, we will pay very close attention to the road conditions.

“If you do not have to ride a bike tomorrow, we urge you not to.”

LF Wade International Airport remains open, but travellers were advised to check flight schedules directly with their airlines. The emergency shelter at CedarBridge Academy in Devonshire, opened last night, will continue accepting anyone in need today.

James Dodgson, the Bermuda Weather Service director, said that Jerry appeared to be weakening, and that the island was not expecting to receive hurricane-force gusts.

At 9pm last night, the BWS said the storm’s closest point of approach within the next 72 hours was likely to be 54 miles to the north-northwest at 5pm today.

However, the system could move closer to Bermuda after this time period depending on its track.

Maximum sustained winds at 9pm last night were 52mph with gusts to 63mph.

Earlier, the weather service said Karen was a potential threat to Bermuda as its closest point of approach was predicted to be 392 miles to the south-southeast at 3pm on Friday, although it could move closer depending on its track.

Karen was packing winds of 46mph with gusts to 58mph at 6pm, when it was 990 miles south of Bermuda, moving north at 8mph.

Roads are likely to be slippery today with one to two inches of rain mixing with dead leaves.

Mr Caines said he was unaware of shortages in the island’s supply of roofing slates in the aftermath of last week’s hurricane.

Several help numbers were shared with the public, as Mr Caines said the double storm threat had raised anxieties.

Anyone experiencing mental health challenges or stress can speak with a psychologist between 9am and 4pm at 236-8253.

The Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute is available from 9pm to 9am at 236-3770.

Persons requiring help getting tarpaulins over roofs were encouraged to call 525-3473.

• To read the minister’s remarks in full, click on the PDF link under “Related Media”.