Hurricane Florence heads for Bermuda

Storm Florence intensified into a hurricane early today and it headed for Bermuda, where residents installed storm shutters and hauled their yachts onto beaches.

Florence is expected to reach the tiny British territory tomorrow, according to the National Hurricane Centre in Miami. But it was too early to tell whether it would make a direct hit.

The storm became a Category 1 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph (121 kph) early today, and was expected to strengthen during the day, the hurricane centre said.

Bermuda issued a hurricane watch and a tropical storm warning, and the government urged its 65,000 residents to take precautions. Part of the North Atlantic island’s volunteer army has been mobilised.

“We are asking residents to please stay home. We are urging the public’s cooperation so that emergency vehicles will have free passage on the roads,” Derrick Burgess, minister of public safety, said at a news conference. “Also, we are discouraging the public from sightseeing, as this puts everyone at risk.”

He also encouraged the public to stock up on hurricane supplies and secure their homes, lawn furniture and any other loose items that could be affected by high winds.

In boatyards and marinas in Bermuda – a wealthy island chain 640 miles east of the US coast – boat owners dragged their yachts onto beaches or secured their moorings.

At Pitts Bay marina, Bermudian Alan Hughes moved his 17-foot Boston Whaler away from the dock wall and tied it down.

“We are obviously concerned and cautious. It will be a tidal issue,” he said.

At the Fairmont Hamilton Princess, the hotel distributed a disaster plan - which included provisions for evacuation – and told guests that patio furniture would be removed from their rooms.

Authorities said they were closing the island’s only airport, Bermuda International Airport. Flights from New York and Miami scheduled to arrive late last night have been cancelled.

Ferries stopped running Saturday afternoon, and bus service was to end midday today. Authorities have opened a shelter in the island’s centre, and the public utility warned that high winds could cause power cuts.

Public schools and government offices will be closed on Monday.

Acting Police Commissioner Roseanda Young said arrangements “all tourists have been given the opportunity to leave. Those still here have chosen to stay.”

The storm was expected to veer away from the US coast as it turns north toward Bermuda, but forecasters said its large size could also create high surf and rip currents along parts of the eastern US coast.

Florence follows on the heels of Tropical Storm Ernesto, which was briefly the season’s first hurricane before weakening and drenching the US East Coast last week. The storm was blamed for nine deaths in the US and two in Haiti.