More than 1,000 Belco customers were without power at the height of Hurricane Erin’s impact, the utility company said today.

The weather system passed Bermuda as a large Category 2, coming closest at 7pm yesterday, when it was about 372 miles northwest of the island.

It brought strong winds, rain and thunderstorms.

Belco noted that the combination of conditions and overgrown trees caused vegetation to make contact with electricity lines, resulting in power cuts.

“Several outages occurred across the island, with larger pockets in the White Sands, Paget, Warwick Pond, Burnt House Hill and Happy Valley areas,” the company said.

“At the zenith, there were just over 1,000 customers without power.

“Overgrowth of trees that is apparent throughout the island mixed with the wet and windy weather caused vegetation — mostly wet and heavy palm fronds — to come into contact with power lines, which caused outages.

“This was the cause of the majority of outages that were experienced across the island.

“Belco crews worked late into the night to restore power to customers, with the last remaining customers still without power expected to be restored today.”

Residents were reminded that property owners are responsible for trimming trees near power lines, ensuring they are cut back at least ten feet from lines, which “can help prevent outages during storms and adverse weather”.

Shelly Leman, a managing director at Belco, said: “Bermuda was thankfully spared the worst of Hurricane Erin.

“However, gusty winds and heavy rains in Erin’s outer bands caused foliage to come into contact with our overhead network, causing inconvenient outages for our customers.

“I urge property owners who have trees overhanging Belco wires to please arrange for trees to be cut back at least ten feet from the lines and to contact Belco to arrange for the power to be shut down so this can be done safely.

“Let me also thank Belco staff who were prepared for the storm and our lineworkers who worked quickly and safely to restore power.”

She added: “I continue to urge residents to prepare for any future storms now and to also support each other however we can in preparation.

“I also encourage all residents and businesses in Bermuda to review their own hurricane safety plans, as well as tips and advice on the Belco website and social-media channels to keep their family and property safe should we be impacted by any additional storms this season.”

Property owners can call 295-5111 or e-mail treetrimming@belco.bm three weeks in advance to schedule a power shutdown for safe tree-trimming.