Hurricane force gusts and severe thunderstorms were heading for Bermuda last night and residents have been told to beware of powerful winds likely to continue through the weekend.

Late yesterday evening Government announced it was closing the Causeway at midnight to all motor vehicles as a precaution due to the high winds. It was expected to reopen at 8 a.m. this morning.

Weather forecasters issued a storm warming and advised motorists — especially those on motorcycles — to stay off the roads if possible.

Ken Smith, duty forecaster at Bermuda Weather Service, warned that gusts of up to 65 knots were likely overnight, as well as a chance of hail.

"All it takes is one of those good 65 knots gusts to blow you off the road," said Mr. Smith. "I spent $100 on a round trip in a taxi for work today rather than ride my bike."

The bad weather was due to hit at about 9 p.m. last night with sustained wind speeds likely to reach as high as 50 knots.

Acting Public Safety Minister Walter Roban said the EMO (Emergency Measures Organisation) was on alert and Government was monitoring weather conditions.

"As the weather deteriorates, there is a likelihood that the Causeway may have to be closed around midnight," he said late afternoon.

"The Bermuda Weather Service will provide updates as required but I encourage everyone to be prepared; use extreme caution if you must be on the roads. The safety of everyone is our number one priority."

Residents were told to expect south to southwest storm force winds between 3 a.m. to 8 a.m. this morning (Saturday), including at least one instance of hurricane force instantaneous gusts, especially in exposed or elevated locations.

Forecasters said the winds would drop to 25 to 35 knots but increase again to gale force late morning today and continue throughout the weekend.

A gale warning is in place until Sunday and Mr. Smith said gale conditions were forecast for Monday as well. A small craft warning was in place yesterday.

It is anticipated that the strong winds will affect aircraft arrivals and departures and travellers are encouraged to contact their relevant airlines for further updates.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Tourism and Transport advised that early morning bus services will be affected, in particular, routes of buses that normally travel over the Causeway before 8 a.m.

The latest conditions, forecasts and warnings, are available on the web at www.weather.bm or via telephone by dialing 977, 9771, 9772 or 9773.

For further Public Safety Advisories tune to 100.1 FM.