Bermudians urged to prepare for the passage of Hurricane Erin

HAMILTON, Bermuda, CMC – Bermudians were on Tuesday urged to take the threat posed by a slightly weakening Hurricane Erin seriously as the first hurricane of the 2025 Atlantic season moved closer towards the British Overseas Territory.

“Too often when storms pass at a distance people believe there is no need to prepare. That attitude is dangerous. We must guard against complacency. I urge every resident to treat Erin as a serious test of your preparedness for the season ahead. Do not wait until a storm is upon our doorstep to take action,” said Jaché Adams, the acting Minister of National Security.

The Miami-based National Hurricane Center (NHC) in its latest bulletin issued at 11.00 am (local time) said that Hurricane Erin, which is 650 miles south west of Bermuda, is forecast to “substantially grow in size” while moving closer to Bermuda with maximum sustained winds of 105 miles per hour (mph).

It said that the category three hurricane “is a large hurricane” with hurricane-force winds extending outward up to 80 miles from the centre and tropical-storm-force winds extending outward up to 205 miles.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the Turks and Caicos Islands, Southeast Bahamas, while a Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Central Bahamas.

It said that interests in the northwestern Bahamas, Bermuda, and the United States Mid-Atlantic and southern New England coast should monitor the progress of Erin, whose centre is located near latitude 24.8 North, longitude 72.0 West.

“Erin is moving toward the northwest near seven mph. A turn towards the north-northwest with an increase in forward speed is expected today, followed by a northward motion on Wednesday and then a northeastward motion on Thursday.

“On the forecast track, the centre of Erin will pass to the east of the Bahamas today and tonight, and then move over the western Atlantic between the US east coast and Bermuda on Wednesday and Thursday,” the NHC said.

“Swells generated by Erin will affect the Bahamas, Bermuda, the east coast of the United States, and Atlantic Canada during the next several days. These rough ocean conditions are expected to cause life-threatening surf and rip current”

The Bermuda Weather Service (BWS) said that the nearest forecast point to Bermuda was 351 miles north-northwest of the island reminding the population that “this forecast is subject to change with the next update”.

Adams said that all preparations must be completed by Thursday morning, advising the public not to go into the water, warning that “lives will be placed at risk”.

He said while Bermuda would still remain open for business, including government offices and the Causeway, the Orange Route ferry service to St George’s will be cancelled from Wednesday, while the remaining routes will continue as normal.

Several cruise lines, including the Carnival Sunshine, Vision of the Seas and the Norwegian Aqua, have already announced a cancellation of their calls.

Adams said that the Bermuda Tourism Authority (BTA) did not expect any disruption to wider tourism services and that there were no disruptions to flight services and that the LF Wade International Airport would remain open.

The Emergency Measures Organisation (EMO) will meet on Wednesday to analyse the situation again.

“Rest assured, government is prepared. The EMO agencies are prepared. I’m asking you, the public, to also be prepared. If we take this opportunity seriously, Bermuda will be ready for this hurricane season,” Adams said.

Meanwhile, Home Affairs Minister, Alexa Lightbourne, said the public should conserve energy leading up to the passage of Hurricane Erin and that preparation involves reducing system loads.

“To assist residents, the Department of Energy is reissuing its Storm-Season Energy Checklist, a practical reference guide to help households navigate the storm with greater security and affordability.

“These measures are especially critical for seniors, renters and families relying on backup generators or limited power systems. These practical actions can help reduce the risk of power loss, minimise system stress and preserve critical appliances during storm events,” she said, adding “preserving energy at the household level helps protect the wider grid.”

Follow The Gleaner on X and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.