Bermuda braces for hurricane destruction

Meteorologists say a 120mph hurricane heading towards Bermuda could be the worst storm to hit the islands in years.

Hurricane Fabian is picking up speed and is expected to hit Bermuda by late Friday night.

The government has issued an extreme weather warning and has closed all its offices.

Forecasters are warning islanders of the category three's 120 mph winds and urges residents to protect "life and property". Several cruise ships that were docked in Bermuda left early, and others were taking different routes to avoid the storm. All Friday flights to the islands have been canceled.

Businesses sent staff home early Thursday and boarded up offices, while islanders withdrew money from banks and formed long queues at gas stations.

"Secure your residences, boats, and any moveable objects that may place you or your family in danger," said Bermuda Premier Alex Scott.

Although it is one of the wealthiest islands with hurricane-resistant homes and a sturdy infrastructure, Bermuda hasn't seen a Category 3 hurricane since 1963, when Arlene destroyed crops and homes.

The last powerful hurricane to hit the British mid-Atlantic islands was Hurricane Emily in 1993, a Category 1 storm that tore off roofs, left homes without power for weeks and caused more than $50m (€45.5m) damage.

Forecasters say Fabian could knock some buildings off their foundations, damage crops and cause widespread flooding and erosion.

"It's a powerful hurricane and there's no indication it's going to fall apart," said Lixion Avila, a meteorologist at the US National Hurricane Centre in Miami.