Schools will close tomorrow but government offices, the airport and the Causeway will stay open, it was announced this afternoon after a meeting of the Emergency Measures Organisation executive to assess the impact of Tropical Storm Philippe.

The Bermuda Weather Service update at 3pm said the system’s closest point of approach to the island in the next three days was forecast to be 94 miles to the west at 2pm tomorrow.

This afternoon, Philippe had maximum sustained winds of 51mph, with gusts to 63mph.

According to the Bermuda Weather Service 9pm update, the storm’s closest point of approach to Bermuda was forecast to be 46 nautical miles the west of the island at 2pm tomorrow.

The Government advised:

• Schools: Bermuda public schools will be closed on Friday, October 6, out of an abundance of caution and will reopen on Monday, October 9.

• Causeway: the Causeway will remain open and will be closely monitored.

• Government services: government offices will open on Friday as per normal.

• Emergency shelter: the emergency shelter at CedarBridge Academy will be open to any resident who needs it from 9pm on Thursday, October 5.

• Airport operations: LF Wade International Airport will be open on Friday. Travellers are urged to contact their respective airlines to learn of any flight cancellations.

• Public transportation: bus services will run normally on Friday. Ferries on Friday will be suspended, with the exception of the Pink Route, which will operate normally. The Disney cruise ship will depart today, as expected, at 5pm.

• Trash collection: Friday’s garbage collection will be deferred until Saturday. Residents should refrain from putting out garbage on Friday night.

Michael Weeks, the Minister of National Security, said: “The Emergency Measures Organisation has considered the conditions associated with Tropical Storm Philippe.

“We can expect increased winds and a wet day as a result of significant rainfall.

“Residents should ensure their preparations are complete by this evening.

“I know that people will want to be near the sea and out on the road this evening and Friday.

“However, I strongly urge against non-essential travel on our roads on Friday.

“Please exercise care and caution on the roads. If you don’t have to be on the roads on Friday, then please remain indoors.”

A government spokeswoman added: “The public can expect to see unsettled weather conditions later today. And Philippe will bring high seas, long periods of swells and hazardous surf, including rip currents.

“People are strongly advised not to enter the water during this time.

“Lifeguards have suspended operations at Horseshoe Bay Beach.”

• For live updates on TS Philippe click here