Hackers sent the Bermuda Weather Service into a flurry at the weekend with the words 'Snow snow snow, three inches expected'.

It is not yet known how the television channel's computer was hacked but the disruption means it will remain off-air until next week.

A Government spokesman said yesterday: "We can confirm that during the weekend the CableVision Bermuda Weather Channel computer software was accessed and altered by an unknown and unauthorised source, and the words 'Snow snow snow, three inches expected' were broadcast on the channel.

"To avoid any potentially erroneous or offensive content being maliciously displayed, the Bermuda Weather Service has decided to shut the channel down until next week.

"During this temporary outage the cause of this problem will be investigated, and improved security measures to prevent it happening again will be applied. The Ministry of Tourism and Transport wishes to assure the public we are working diligently to deal with the situation, and fully expect that the channel will be back to normal shortly.

"The Bermuda Weather Service, through the Ministry, would like to apologise for any inconvenience."

The public can still access weather conditions and forecasts at website: www.weather.bm or by listening to VHF Marine Channel 2. Alternatively, dial telephone numbers 977, 9771, 9772 and 9773.

BAS-Serco operates the Bermuda Weather Service under Government mandate and broadcasts the Bermuda Weather Channel on Cablevision Channel Four.