Storm force winds are expected to reduce by midday today after winds were forecast to reach gusts of hurricane force this morning.

Last night, the Island was hit by a winter storm with the Emergency Measures Organisation announcing it was closing the Causeway at midnight until 9 a.m. today, however, all Government offices are due to be open as normal.

And as of last night, today's Air Canada flight is the only confirmed service due today. LF Wade Airport General Manager Aaron Adderley said last night's British Airways flight landed and did a quick turnaround.

He added: "All other flights were cancelled yesterday and at this point the two American flights are cancelled today. The only confirmed flight is Air Canada. They are bringing in a larger flight to accommodate the other passengers. JetBlue has also cancelled and at this point I don't have any confirmations on any other flights."

The Bermuda Weather Service issued a warning last night of a cold front, with a statement saying: "The front will bring storm force winds, showers and slight chance of thunder through Thursday morning. "Winds ease to gales Thursday afternoon and gales ease Friday morning."

The high for today and tomorrow is 60 degrees with a low of 55 forecast on Friday. Both days have been predicted to be wet and rainy with high winds. Forecasters said winds were predicted to reach 50 knots.

There was a storm warning issued through this afternoon and a small craft warning and gale warning issued through tomorrow.

Belco gave some winter storm tips which include unplugging sensitive electronic equipment to protect them from damage in the event of a power outage and calling 955 to report power outages or downed lines.

The electricity company also recommended checking your insurance to make sure it covers storm damage.

In a statement released by Government, the Waste Management Section of the Ministry of Works and Engineering advised East End residents who receive garbage and recycling collection today not to place bags out this evening.

Inclement weather may delay collection services therefore the public should keep their bags and bins of waste in a dry, wind free area and not place them out for curbside collection.

Residents scheduled for bulky waste collections tomorrow are also requested to keep waste inside until notified.

An advisory will be released today indicating whether normal collections will proceed.

The public can keep track of the weather conditions either by visiting the websites at www.weather.bm, www.emo.gov.bm or by watching the local weather station on CableVision channel four or WOW channel 100.