Call for parents to limit Hallowe’en as power is restored
The Minister of National Security has urged residents to limit Hallowe’en activities for children this evening as Belco crews work to restore power across the island in the wake of Hurricane Melissa.
Michael Weeks, in a post-hurricane update on the restoration of services, said as crews work to fix downed poles and restore power lines “we want the safety our young children to be our utmost priority”.
He added: “It would be really concerning if any of our young ones would be traversing neighbourhoods with debris still on the ground.
“So ideally I am asking and saying it would be prudent to limit the Hallowe’en activities for our children this evening.
“It’s ultimately up to the parents or guardians but if we can defer the trick or treating until tomorrow that would be an ease for my peace of mind as the minister responsible for public safety.”
More than 19,000 homes were plunged into darkness when the hurricane passed by the island at Category 2 level.
The weather system made its closest point of approach to Bermuda at about 2am as it passed about 140 miles to the island’s northwest, bringing gusts of almost 100mph to exposed, elevated areas.
While the Belco outage website reported 19,115 customers without electricity at 6.40am, that number fell to below 18,000 by 8.30am.
The power company said on Facebook that as of 1pm, there were more than 10,300 customers still affected by outages.
The Emergency Measures Organisation met this morning and the Government subsequently noted that while Melissa had rapidly moved away from the island, windy and unsettled conditions could be expected throughout the day and into tomorrow.
It said: “Additionally the EMO notes that there are a number of downed wires and damaged utility poles across the island.
“Persons are asked to be cautious when moving about the island.”
• All public and private schools remain closed today and are expected to reopen on Monday
• Bus service has resumed with temporary adjustments to Routes 1, 3 and 7 as crews work to restore full access
• While ferry services have resumed, the Orange Route remains suspended until further notice
• Trash collection that usually happens on a Friday will be rolled over to tomorrow
• Bermuda Police Service and the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service reported no major emergencies
Noel Martin, natural disaster co-ordinator, said earlier that there were no incidents of major emergencies, although thousands were without power.
“Our crews are performing assessments of the road and we have reports of debris, wires down and pole fires throughout the island.
“We are asking the public to remain off the roads so our crews can perform assessments and repairs safely and effectively.”
Mr Martin previously said that 47 people had elected to wait out the storm in the government shelter at CedarBridge Academy.
Michelle Pitcher, of the Bermuda Weather Service, said that as of 8am Hurricane Melissa was racing away from the island, causing the winds to die down, but gusts at the LF Wade International Airport were still reaching tropical storm-force strength.
She said: “Any exposed or elevated areas are still going to have some pretty gusty wind.
“We are going to see conditions continue to improve throughout the morning and we should be able to drop the gale warning later today, as well as the small-craft warning hopefully by tomorrow or a little later, once the seas calm down.
“It is still pretty gusty out there. Everybody needs to be safe and be aware, but conditions are going to be improving notably throughout the day.”
You must be Registered or to post comment or to vote.
