and was a full six degrees colder than the last record set in 1990.

And weathermen say Tuesday's low of 47 degrees was also a new record with the previous record being five degrees higher in March 6, 1952.

Meteorologist Don Grey of Bermuda Weather Centre said: "Both these daily records were broken by a long way -- but 45 degrees is still the all time low for March. Tomorrow we are looking for things to improve with sunny breaks and the wind subsiding overnight.'' Boaters bore the brunt of yesterday's bad weather with around half a dozen vessels breaking loose from moorings.

Grotto Bay Hotel's Scuba Look diving boat was discovered at 6.30 a.m. hard up against The Causeway in St. George's but it took nearly 12 hours before conditions calmed enough for it to be retrieved.

A Harbour Radio spokesman said: "A marine rescue pilot boat tried to pull it off but it really wasn't a good time.

"They got it later that evening with help from a smaller boat. There was no one on board and I am not sure there was any real damage.'' A 25-foot sloop ran aground near Stonecrusher corner on Kindley Field Road, St. George's while a 27-foot sailing boat was also stranded nearby. Both were still there yesterday evening.

Weather A power boat was found on the rocks near Jew's Bay in Southampton while a small boat needed to be towed after being found in Hamilton Harbour.

The spokesman said: "There were about half a dozen cases but I believe there are other boats we didn't hear about.'' However the news was better for travellers.

An airport spokeswoman said all flights came in as expected yesterday and normal service is expected today.

Forecasters said winds would reduce today with settled weather expected.