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Bermuda braces for storm Florence Hurricane bears down on Bermuda
(1 day later)
Bermuda's government has issued a hurricane warning after forecasters predicted that a tropical storm bearing down on the island could strengthen. Storm Florence has strengthened into a category one hurricane as it heads towards the Bermuda islands.
At 2100 GMT Tropical Storm Florence was 745km (465 miles) south of Bermuda, moving north-west at 20km/h, the US National Hurricane Center said. The sixth tropical storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, Florence was upgraded early on Sunday with winds of up to 120km/h (75mph).
People across the British territory have been preparing for the storm, boarding up windows and moving boats. It is expected to strengthen further and reach the tiny UK territory on Monday - although it is not clear whether it will be a direct hit.
This year's Atlantic hurricane season has produced just one hurricane so far. Bermuda residents have been boarding up windows and moving boats.
At 2100 GMT, Hurricane Florence was centred about 300km (185 miles) south of Bermuda, moving north-west at 20km/h (13mph), the US National Hurricane Center said.
Airport closedAirport closed
Hurricane Ernesto passed by Haiti last month, but it lost strength and returned to tropical storm status before it reached the US East Coast. According to the centre Bermuda is likely to experience 13-20cm (five to eight inches) of rain and heavy sea surges as a result of Florence's arrival.
Last year a record-breaking number of hurricanes formed over the Atlantic, the most-damaging of which was Hurricane Katrina which hit New Orleans and other parts of the US Gulf Coast. The authorities have shut the airport and put emergency workers on standby.
According to the US hurricane centre Bermuda is likely to experience 13-20cm (five to eight inches) of rain and heavy sea surges as a result of Florence's arrival. "The public is encouraged to stock up on normal hurricane supplies and to secure their homes, lawn furniture and any other loose items which could be affected by high winds," Home Affairs and Public Safety Minister Derrick Burgess said on Saturday.
"The public is encouraged to stock up on normal hurricane supplies and to secure their homes, lawn furniture and any other loose items which could be affected by high winds," Home Affairs and Public Safety Minister Derrick Burgess said.
Bermuda's only airport was set to close at 2200 (0100 GMT) and boatyards and marinas across the island have been secured.
Some tourists have left, but the vast majority are reported to be staying put.Some tourists have left, but the vast majority are reported to be staying put.
The authorities insist that they have the situation under control. The government insists it has the situation under control.
"We are definitely in for a prolonged period of tropical storm force winds. However, I can assure you we are prepared," Mr Burgess said."We are definitely in for a prolonged period of tropical storm force winds. However, I can assure you we are prepared," Mr Burgess said.
Last year a record-breaking number of hurricanes formed over the Atlantic, the most-damaging of which was Hurricane Katrina which hit New Orleans and other parts of the US Gulf Coast.
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