The Royal Navy, Bermuda Regiment and Reserve Police are all on standby as Bermuda prepares for “probably the worst storm we have seen”, Public Safety Minister David Burch said today.

Giving a progress report at 12.30 p.m. after an Emergency Measures Organisation meeting today, Sen. Burch said the worst effects of Hurricane Igor will begin lashing the Island late on Sunday night.

He said its closest point of approach would be 2 a.m. on Monday and warned of expected sustained winds of up to 90 knots and potential gusts of 110 knots, 100 mph to 125 mph.

Urging maximum caution from residents, the Minister revealed details of Bermuda’s contingency plans for the next few days, including:

l L.F. Wade International Airport will close on Saturday afternoon, probably until Monday;

l the Causeway will shut when easterly winds reach 50 knots — probably Sunday afternoon;

l people can use an emergency shelter at CedarBridge Academy from 5 p.m. today;

l Bermuda Regiment will have a partial embodiment at Warwick Camp tomorrow; remaining soldiers and Reserve Police will be on standby;

l a Royal Navy frigate and helicopter will be off Bermuda during the storm and enter port afterwards to help;

l all public schools will be closed on Monday, with a full assessment on Tuesday before they open;

l King Edward VII Memorial Hospital is ready for action, as well as the Lambe Foggo Urgent Care Centre in the East End.

Hotels, Belco and telecommunications companies are said to have their own plans in place, while residents in low lying areas have been contacted to ensure their properties are secure.

As the storm dies down, residents are urged to avoid using the roads to explore any damage before the emergency teams make a full assessment.

“I really would like to stress to everyone in the Country it’s important that you prepare and take the necessary steps. This storm is probably the worst we have seen,” Sen. Burch told the press conference.

“We are just over 24 hours away from experiencing the beginning of what is expected to be the ferocious impact of Hurricane Igor.

“We have all heard the reports from the Bermuda Weather Service that this storm will be a long and punishing one and the potential for injury and physical damage is great.

“It is my sincere hope that you and your families take the remainder of today to finalise your hurricane preparations, by securing your homes, your property and ensuring that you have adequate supplies.”

Police Commissioner Michael DeSilva and Bermuda Weather Service director Mark Guishard also urged words of caution.

The Emergency Broadcast station at 100.1 FM is the official source for Hurricane Igor information, while EMO can be contacted after the storm has passed on 292-6325 or 292-6330.