Government announced yesterday that CedarBridge Academy will be open as an emergency shelter while Hurricane Bill affects the Island.

Whitney and the Urgent Care Centre in St. David's may also be used, should the demand require it.

The Urgent Care Centre will be open throughout the storm will a full medical staff, along with an ambulance and a team of EMTs.

The hurricane is expected to pass around 200 nautical miles from Bermuda Saturday Morning, with its closest point of approach at around 6 a.m.

Winds on the Island are expected to reach 35 to 45 knots, with gusts of 60 to 65 knots. Waves outside the reef may reach 20 to 30 feet Saturday, while rain and thunderstorms are expected.

Last night the storm was expected to increase in strength to a Category Four, with waves near the centre reaching 54 feet.

Because of the size and strength of the storm, large waves and strong rip currents are expected to last well after the winds on the Island die down.

Acting Home Affairs Minister Walter Roban said that the Causeway will remain open unless winds reach a sustained 50 knots, and that notice will be given to the public as far in advance as possible if the bridge is closed.

"We will make every attempt, given the circumstances, to ensure that public is aware and given sufficient time to plan should the Causeway close," he said.

"However, we do ask residents to be mindful that the situation is fluid and decisions must sometimes be made rapidly with the best interest of the public being our priority."

Should the need the demand require it, Mr. Roban said that Government may use Whitney Institute and the Urgent Care Centre in St. David's for emergency shelter, but for the time being only CedarBridge is expected to be open. Those requiring emergency shelter before or during the storm are asked to call 292-6339 for information.

Mr. Roban did warn those who wish to take advantage of government shelter that pets will not be allowed, and advised the public to bring any medication that they may require, saying: "We don't have a pharmacy at the shelter."

The Lamb Foggo Urgent Care Centre in St. David's will be open and fully staffed throughout the storm to care for those in the East End and, according to the Bermuda Housing Board's Chief of Staff Dr. Donald Thomas III, the facility will remain open continuously if the Causeway is closed. "Our policy is that if the causeway is closed, the urgent care centre will open and stay open until the causeway is deemed passable once more," said Dr. Thomas.

Mr. Roban also announced that all usual government services will be operating normally today, and that LF Wade International Airport would be open today. Those planning of flying today or tomorrow are advised to contact the airlines for information about any cancellations or delays.

While public transport may be affected by the storm, no cancellations have been announced yet.

Members of the Regiment have been advised to be ready in case of an embodiment, and have been asked to monitor the television and the radio for information.

The Bank of Butterfield announced yesterday that it would be closing its offices in St. George's and Somerset an hour early today, while all Butterfield banking centres, along with Customer Credit on Front Street and the Rosebank Drive Through will be closed all day Saturday. However, the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce is not advising businesses to close early on Friday.

At presstime last night, the British Airways flight is expected to arrive as scheduled from London. Passengers for BA 2232 departing for London are requested to be at the airport early with check-in commencing at 4 p.m. All check- in will be closed at 6.30 pm. Friday.

Mr. Roban warned the public that while the Island is expected to miss the worst of the storm, that could still very well change.

"We have a lot of experience with hurricanes and one thing is certain – no two hurricanes are alike. I want to encourage all residents to please adhere to the public safety warnings being issued by our emergency personnel. Residents, please stay where you are most safe. We all remember Hurricane Fabian. That was a tragic time in Bermuda's history. Stay off the roads, stay off the beaches and stay close to home."