The Causeway will be closely monitored as the Island gears up for gale force winds and hurricane force gusts forecast for today and tomorrow.

The Bermuda Weather Service said the Island can expect to experience storm force winds, gusting to hurricane force, until around midday on Thursday. Today there are expected to be wind gusts of more than 50 knots

Yesterday, the Emergency Measures Organisation met to discuss public safety precautions. All Government offices opened this morning and the Causeway remains open.

However, the Causeway will be closely monitored by the Bermuda Police Service and the Ministry of Works and Engineering.

Minister of Labour, Home Affairs and Housing, David Burch encouraged all motorists, particularly cyclists, to use "extreme caution" over the next two days when moving about the Island.

Additionally, residents are being advised to secure all boats, as well as outdoor furniture, garbage bins and any other items that could be blown about by the wind.

The latest weather updates and advisories can be found at www.weather.bm.

Updated information will also air on Cablevision channel four or WOW channel 100. Alternatively members of the public can call the following numbers:

• For the Public Forecast Dial 977l

• For the Current Observation Dial 9771

• For the Marine Forecast Dial 9772

• For latest Warnings & Tropical Information Dial 9773