Hurricane Humberto’s wrath was felt at Boaz Island Marine Service Station on Malabar Road in Sandys Parish.

The station was closed yesterday due to the impact of Humberto, but general manager Lawson Williams was hoping to be back in operation this morning.

“We had salt water inside the building, so we can’t get the computers up to get the pumps working,” Mr Williams said. “Computers don’t like salt air, and we got our share of it last night.

“We’re trying to get open on Friday morning if we can, but I may have to bring our tech guy in. We have someone on standby but I can’t get hold of him today because of problems with cell phone service.”

Mr Williams said the station “lost quite a bit” from its overhead canopy, but he termed that damage as “cosmetic”.

The Rubis Terceira’s station on North Shore Road in Smiths Parish suffered slight damage to the underside of the canopy above its gas pumps, but was open just after 1pm yesterday. “We are open for business — that’s what matters,” said owner Ralph Terceira.

Insurance company BF&M Ltd was closed yesterday in line with the EMO’s request to stay off the roads, but the company had a skeleton staff in to assist with claims-related calls. The company will be open today.

John Wight, group chairman and chief executive officer of BF&M Ltd, said: “We are relieved to hear that all who reside in Bermuda are safe. We have already received a number of claims for damaged homes, businesses and boats and are at work assessing the extent of the damages.

“Given the power of the gusts we experienced, it is fortunate that the island did not experience greater destruction. We are holding those who are dealing with damages in our thoughts and are doing everything we can to support their recovery as quickly as possible.”

Hamilton Princess & Beach Club re-opened its Crown & Anchor and Marcus’ restaurants yesterday, while 1609 is expected to resume service today. This evening’s scheduled Marina Nights event is cancelled, but performers, The Big Chill, will play at the Crown & Anchor happy hour. The hotel was not accepting any new room reservations for last night.

Meanwhile, private truckers were enlisted to assist government work crews with the clean-up, and many could be seen with flatbeds overflowing with tree branches and foliage, while others were seen ferrying utility poles.

Restaurants and pubs also did a roaring business, both pre and post-Humberto.

Many residents whose employers closed at noon on Wednesday seized the opportunity for a hot meal, and a cold beverage, at lunchtime with Humberto’s wrath still a few hours away — and eateries on Front Street were open for business yesterday morning, as was Soul Food Grill on Court Street and Devil’s Isle on Burnaby Street, among others.

However, many local and international businesses in Hamilton remained closed yesterday.

Wedco announced late yesterday that the Clocktower Mall will remain closed throughout today.