PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
BERMUDA
September 8, 2006
This Public Announcement is being issued to alert U.S. citizens of the potential impact Tropical Storm Florence may have on the island of Bermuda, and advise U.S. citizens to postpone travel to Bermuda until the storm has passed.
According to National Hurricane Center, Tropical Storm Florence is tracking toward Bermuda and is expected to reach the island in the early morning hours on Monday, September 11. Some strengthening is expected during the next twenty-four hours, possibly to low-grade hurricane strength. U.S. citizens in Bermuda should monitor reports from the Bermuda Weather Service and local weather offices, and follow the instructions of local emergency officials. Visitors should be familiar with their hotel evacuation plans and carry their travel documents (i.e. U.S. Passport, Birth Certificate, picture ID’s, etc.) with them at all times or secure them by placing them in a safe waterproof location.
American citizens are advised that flights into and out of Bermuda may be suspended at any time, and flights may fill quickly. Travelers should contact their airlines for updated information on flight availability. Cruise ship traffic to Bermuda has been suspended until further notice. For the most up-to-date track of Tropical Storm Florence, please visit The National Hurricane Center’s website at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov.
The Consulate General in Hamilton will be closed to the public on Monday, September 11, and open for emergency services for American citizens on Tuesday, September 12, conditions permitting. These times are subject to change without prior notice if circumstances dictate. American citizens in need of after-hours emergency assistance may call the duty officer at telephone 1-441-335-3828, although the ability to provide assistance may be limited by weather or travel conditions. U.S. citizens are reminded to contact concerned family and friends in the U.S. after the storm has passed.
American citizens living or traveling in Bermuda are encouraged to register on-line at http://hamilton.usconsulate.gov/registering_with_the_consulate.html, or by visiting the consulate at Crown Hill, 16 Middle Road, Devonshire DV03, telephone 1-441-295-1342. For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings, and Public Announcements can be found. Up to date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States, or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
