 On October 10 , as the precursor extratropical storm was forming , the Bermuda Weather Service issued a gale and later a storm warning for the island , expecting winds of 50 to 60 mph ( 60 to 95 km / h ) . Several radio interviews and television stations issued information on the expected storm . Many residents believed they were insufficiently warned , though it is acknowledged that emergency managers and citizens pay less attention to gale warnings then they do for tropical cyclone warnings . On October 12 , as the storm was passing to the south of the island , officials closed all schools and government offices . Many private businesses closed as well . 
