The Causeway will reopen at 10pm today, and the airport at noon tomorrow, police have announced.

The message came shortly after people were urged to stay off the roads as the post-Nicole assessment and clean-up operation continues.

Damage to the Causeway is being assessed and the airport is also being examined by Public Works engineers, according to Senator Jeff Baron, the Minister of National Security.

Meanwhile motorists are urged to travel with extreme caution outside the City of Hamilton, as traffic lights are not operational.

The Emergency Measures Organisation has carried out its initial assessment and will formally convene a meeting tomorrow.

In a statement this evening, Mr Baron said all relevant agencies were fully deployed and are hard at work clearing roads.

“As soon as it was safe to do so, crews from the Ministry of Public Works, the Department of Parks and Royal Bermuda Regiment personnel were deployed to start road clearing and making areas safe for Belco crews to work on restoring power.

“Already some progress is being made and we will continue update the public throughout the evening.

“As we continue to assess the damages around the Island I want to again make a plea to residents to please stay off the roads. We recognise that there has been significant flooding in areas around the Island and some severe road damages.

“Obviously we are also concerned about downed trees and downed power lines which are live. So out of an abundance of caution, I’m urging the public to please stay off the roads and inside to ensure that all necessary work can proceed safely.

“The EMO will meet tomorrow to assess the restoration progress.

“As homeowners begin assessing the damage at their homes, we urge them to use utmost caution and ensure they are using all appropriate safety equipment to reduce the risk of injury.”

The EMO provided the following progress report:

• An assessment of the L.F. Wade International Airport is under way. As it relates to flight arrivals and departures, residents are encouraged to call their respective airlines to get latest updates on scheduling.

• The latest Belco update indicated that there are some 27,431 households without power and they are working to restore power to those homes.

• The Causeway has sustained some damage and, as of 7.30pm, remains closed until the critical assessments by the Ministry of Public Works engineers are carried out. Police have said the Causeway will reopen at 10pm.

• Government offices, buildings and schools will remain closed tomorrow. Assessments are under way. Any updates regarding their reopening will be shared with the public accordingly.

• The King Edward VII Memorial Hospital and the Lamb Foggo Urgent Care Centre are operational.

• Marsh Folly is open for waste drop off.

• The Emergency Broadcast station, 100.1FM will cease operation at 8pm and be back on air at 7am tomorrow if no local radio stations are broadcasting live.