Bermuda is braced for Hurricane Nicole as the Category Four storm moves toward the islands, already buffeted by tropical storm conditions.
"On the forecast track, the core of Nicole will pass near Bermuda later this morning," the US National Hurricane Center said.
The storm's top sustained winds were around 210km/h, with higher gusts, the Miami-based NHC said.
Nicole was about 165km southwest of the islands in the Atlantic, moving north-northeast.
"Although a gradual weakening is forecast, Nicole is expected to be at major hurricane strength when it moves near Bermuda later today," the NHC added.
Authorities closed schools and government offices, and buildings were boarded up as heavy wind and rain hit the islands yesterday.
Airlines have also cancelled flights.
Hurricane #Nicole advisory 37 issued. Extremely dangerous hurricane #Nicole aimed at bermuda. https://t.co/VqHn0uj6EM
— NHC Atlantic Ops (@NHC_Atlantic) October 13, 2016
"I believe we are generally ready for it," local media reported Premier Michael Dunkley as saying. "Now we just have to hope and pray for the best."
A dangerous storm surge will raise water levels by as much as 2-2.5m above normal tide levels, accompanied by "large and destructive" waves, the NHC said.
Nicole is expected to produce total rain accumulation of 10 to 20cm over Bermuda, it added. The storm may also bring tornadoes.
The hurricane will also spread surf swells north along the East Coast over the next few days, the NHC said.
Last week, Hurricane Matthew caused devastation in Haiti and other Caribbean countries before sweeping up the US southeast coast.
