The Minister of National Security warned the public to stay on guard as a hurricane warning for Hurricane Melissa came into effect this afternoon.

Michael Weeks, who chaired an Emergency Measures Organisation meeting today, outlined several steps to be taken “out of an abundance of caution”.

Although Melissa was expected to graze the island as a Category 1 hurricane, he said the public could not afford to be complacent.

Mr Weeks said: “I realise that this has been a busy hurricane season for us and that our resilience has been tested.

“However, I implore all residents to remain vigilant while we navigate another natural threat to our way of life.

“We are renowned for our ability to cope with such adversity and I am confident that we shall all play our part to keep ourselves and each other safe over the next few days.”

The Bermuda Weather Service said in its 3pm update that the storm’s closest point of approach was expected for midnight tomorrow into Friday, 80 miles to the west-northwest.

It said that Melissa, now at Category 2 strength, would likely remain at that level by 9pm tomorrow but weaken into a Category 1 by 3am on Friday.

Mr Weeks said that the Causeway will close at 10pm tomorrow, with an assessment at first light on Friday to determine whether to reopen.

Government offices will operate as normal tomorrow, but close until 1pm on Friday, when services should resume pending further updates.

The last bus will run at 7pm tomorrow with services returning on Friday after an assessment of the main roads.

There will be no Orange Route ferry tomorrow and the Blue Route will be suspended at 4pm. Green and Pink Routes will run as scheduled.

All ferries will be cancelled on Friday as officials wait for winds to subside and allow assessments.

All schools, public and private, will be closed on Friday.

Mr Weeks reminded motorists to stay off the roads until further instruction.

He urged the public to stay safe and check on vulnerable neighbours.

Mr Weeks also acknowledged those in Jamaica and other Caribbean countries who were hit by Melissa as a Category 5 and Category 4 hurricane.

He said: “We extend our heartfelt support, thoughts and prayers to the people of Jamaica and other countries in the region that have been ravaged by the brunt of Melissa’s force.

“Their loss and hardship remind us of the seriousness of the storm and the importance of being prepared and safety first.”

Mr Weeks added: “Bermuda, I urge everyone to complete your hurricane preparations today.

“Secure your homes, stock essential supplies and ensure your family knows your safety plan.

“Above all, stay tuned to official updates from the Government of Bermuda.

“We will continue to provide the critical information you need as the situation evolves.

“Together, we will weather yet another storm.”

At 3pm, Melissa was almost 1,000 miles southwest of Bermuda and travelling north-northeast at about 15mph.

The BWS said conditions would “rapidly deteriorate” late tomorrow and into Friday with hazardous surf and rip currents.

A forecast discussion added that winds on Thursday were expected to increase in the evening and overnight with the potential for sustained hurricane-force winds, mostly across the western marine area and more elevated or exposed areas.

It said: “Having said that, gusts could reach hurricane force quite widely, especially in any squally showers and isolated thunderstorms.

“Winds will veer from the southeast on Thursday into the southwest Thursday night.

“Friday morning sees strong to storm-force winds further veering west and soon easing, with any lingering showers exiting the area in concert with a cold front attached to exiting Melissa.

“By Hallowe’en evening, moderate to occasionally strong westerly winds can be expected.

“With the fast movement northeastward of Melissa, this will send rapidly building hazardous seas towards the island Thursday evening/night, with south-southwest swells peaking in the high to likely very high category.”

The US-based National Hurricane Centre said earlier: “On the forecast track, the core of Melissa is expected to move offshore of eastern Cuba this morning, move across the southeastern or central Bahamas later today, and pass near or to the west of Bermuda late Thursday and Thursday night.

“Maximum sustained winds are now near 105mph with higher gusts. Melissa is expected to remain a powerful hurricane when it moves across the Bahamas later today and passes near Bermuda on Thursday night.

“Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 30 miles from the centre and tropical storm-force winds extend outward up to 185 miles.”