The Causeway will close at 7pm today, Government announced this afternoon.

Tropical Storm Shary is scheduled to come closest to Bermuda at about 9pm and this afternoon a decision was taken to close the Causeway as winds are expected to reach 50 knots, or about 57 mph.

A Government spokeswoman said: “Late this afternoon, the Bermuda Weather Service updated on developments related to Tropical Storm Shary and based on the latest forecasts, it's anticipated that the Island will experience increased winds of 50 knots.

“As such and in the interest of public safety a determination has been made to close the Causeway Bridge to all vehicular traffic as of 7 p.m. It is anticipated that the Causeway will reopen around 11p.m., once the 50 knot winds have eased.

“As a reminder, Tropical Storm Shary will make a direct hit on the Island around 9 p.m. as a weak tropical storm. Winds are expected to be strongest from the eastern quadrant. The Island can also expect to see periods of heavy rainfall tonight.”