Overview and Key Details
Hurricane Imelda, a Category 2 storm, is advancing towards Bermuda with sustained winds of 160 km/h, posing a threat of heavy rainfall and storm surges.
As of 15:00 GMT, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported that Imelda is approximately 545 kilometers southwest of Bermuda and is expected to pass near the archipelago between the night of Wednesday and early Thursday.
Preparations and Response
Michael Weeks, Bermuda’s Minister of National Security, stated, “Bermuda is resilient. We have faced hurricanes before, but each storm is different and must be treated with the utmost seriousness.”
- Authorities have ordered the closure of the extensive Causeway Bridge connecting the islands.
- Public transportation has been suspended, and the airport along with government offices have closed.
- An emergency center has been established.
Images from Bernews.com at 16:00 GMT show large waves crashing against Bermuda’s picturesque beaches. The NHC projects 50 to 100 millimeters of rainfall from Wednesday to Thursday, increasing the risk of flash floods.
In addition to heavy rainfall, a dangerous storm surge combined with large, destructive waves is expected to cause flooding in exposed areas due to strong winds. Authorities are still working to restore power to hundreds of affected users following Hurricane Humberto, which passed through Bermuda previously.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: Who is Michael Weeks, and why is his statement relevant?
Michael Weeks is Bermuda’s Minister of National Security. His statement emphasizes the resilience of Bermuda in facing hurricanes and underscores the seriousness with which each storm, including Hurricane Imelda, must be treated.
- Q: What precautionary measures have been taken by Bermudian authorities?
Authorities have closed the Causeway Bridge, suspended public transportation, shut down the airport and government offices, and opened an emergency center to prepare for Hurricane Imelda’s impact.
- Q: What are the projected weather conditions and associated risks?
Hurricane Imelda is expected to bring sustained winds of 160 km/h, heavy rainfall (50 to 100 mm), and a dangerous storm surge, increasing the risk of flash floods and coastal inundations.
- Q: How are authorities addressing power restoration efforts?
Authorities are working to restore electricity to users affected by Hurricane Humberto, which passed through Bermuda before Imelda’s arrival.
