Bermuda braced for Hurricane Erin

Hurricane Erin is bearing down on Bermuda, prompting emergency warnings by its Government.

Erin, the first named hurricane of the 2001 Atlantic season, is expected to pass 15 miles north east of the island this afternoon.

The island's Government has already issued a hurricane warning ahead of the storm. Gusts of wind have reached 85mph.

Forecasters, however, said Erin is strengthening and could become a Category 2 hurricane, with sustained winds of at least 96mph, by the time it reached the island

"What we're looking at for Bermuda is nearly a direct hit. It's going to be very close," said meteorologist Hugh Cobb at the US National Hurricane Centre in Miami.

Bermuda's Government warned the island's 60,000 people to stay off the roads to avoid being hit by debris and to allow emergency vehicles to pass.

Authorities have also called out a 566-member part-time regiment to help prepare for the hurricane at strategic points, such as a bridge that allows traffic to the airport.

A school is to open as an emergency shelter for those living in low-lying vulnerable areas. Buses and ferries have been cancelled.

Bermuda, which lies about 560 miles off the coast of North Carolina, last had a hurricane in 1999 when Gert battered the south shore, causing damage and knocking out power to 12,000 homes.