Bad weather has resulted in the Causeway being closed three times this year already, compared to just once in both 2008 and 2009.

But the decision is never taken lightly, Public Safety Minister David Burch insisted in the Senate yesterday.

Announcing that this year's hurricane season had started and urging residents to prepare now for storms, he said: "The established protocol for closure is sustained cross winds in excess of 50 knots.

"I wish to assure the people of Bermuda that any decision to close the Causeway is made to preserve life and limb and is only taken after a specific recommendation from those experts charged with weather forecasting."

The Minister said he convened the Emergency Measures Organisation last week in preparation for the hurricane season, which runs until November 30.

"I am pleased to report that all agencies are well experienced in their respective responsibilities and have prepared for the upcoming season."

Sen. Burch told the Upper Chamber that more tropical activity was predicted in the Atlantic this year, increasing the possibility of hurricanes.

"We do not have to wait until the Bermuda Weather Service announces that a tropical storm is heading our way before we prepare for a storm," he added.

"We can prepare now. Put aside the items needed and place them in a container marked 'storm supplies': flashlights, buckets, rope, tarpaulin, duct tape, first aid kits, battery-operated radio and extra batteries, etc.

"Prior preparation will lessen anxiety when storm announcements are made. I encourage all of our residents to prepare now for this hurricane season and avoid last minute anxiety."

• Weather watches and warnings are available at www.weather.bm or the weather channel on local TV..