Airline flights to the Island were cancelled yesterday as a result of major snowstorms which swept across the United States.

And the container ship Oleander is likely to be delayed at least one day because of the massive storm in the northeast US. Full report on US storm -- Page 21 Emergency services were innundated with calls last night as thunderstorms, high winds and heavy rain hit Bermuda.

Winds gusted up to 40 knots and areas of the Island were reporting floods to both the fire service and Police control rooms. Few specific details were available last night.

Harbour Radio reported few problems apart from the yacht Ocean Spray breaking loose from its moorings with its owner on board. It was caught by the fishing boat Amberjack and towed to Mills Creek to safety.

The radio station was having problems with its communications because of the electrical storm.

Because of "difficulties on the ground'' resulting from the severe weather conditions in North America, a number of flights to the Island were cancelled.

Air Canada's Toronto flight was cancelled, and passengers on Delta Airlines' Boston flight had to be re-routed through Atlanta.

Both USAir flights -- from New York-La Guardia and Philadelphia -- were unable to take-off because of dangerous weather conditions.

One report said all runways at La Guardia Airport were flooded, and planes parked there had to be moved to higher ground.

Spokesmen for several local airline offices said they expected today's flights to be on schedule -- barring any further deterioration in weather conditions.

Travellers have been advised to contact their airline to confirm any delays or cancellations.

Mr. Barry Brewer of Container Ship Management Limited said the Oleander's arrival back in Hamilton has also been delayed by the storms.

The ship will set sail from New Jersey today, arriving a day later than usual, on Monday.

Mr. Brewer said loading of the ship's cargo had to be suspended because high winds made the operation too dangerous.

Yesterday's unpleasant weather was a direct result of the storm. An intense low pressure off New Jersey brought cooler temperatures and rain to the Bermuda area, and the US Naval Air Station's weather service had a gale warning in effect until 10 p.m. last night.

A few brief showers are expected today, with winds from the southwest at 20-25 knots, gusting to 30 knots.