yesterday morning after gale-force winds knocked out power to their homes.

High winds shut down power in Pitts Bay, Point Shares, Spanish Point, Store Hill, Smith's Parish, and the Belmont areas.

"We received the first calls around 10 p.m.,'' said Bermuda Electric Light Company spokesperson Robin McPhee.

"The winds picked up. We lost one circuit in St. George's at that time.

However, the circuit was back on at 11 p.m.

"All was quiet until around 1.30 a.m. Then between 1.30 a.m. and 3 a.m. We lost four circuits in Pitts Bay, Point Shares, Spanish Point, Store Hill, Smith's Parish and the Belmont area in Warwick.

"Power was restored to these areas in about an hour. But, due to high winds which caused trees to touch the overhead lines, the same circuits went out at around 4 a.m.

"We were finally able to restore power and lights were on at around 6 a.m.,'' said Ms McPhee.

Winds eventually died down by morning as the gale moved off to the east of the Island. Forecasters at the Bermuda Weather Service are calling for better conditions for the New Year's holiday.