Hurricane Fabian continues to push toward Bermuda today as residents prepare for what could be the worst storm to hit the islands in years.
Fabian is picking up speed and is expected to hit Bermuda by late tonight. Bermuda's government issued a hurricane warning yesterday ahead of the Category 3 storm and closed all government offices.
Forecasters warned islanders of Fabian's lashing 120 mph winds and urged 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 into Bermuda were cancelled.
Businesses sent staff home early yesterday and boarded up offices, while islanders withdrew money from banks and formed long queues at gas stations.
Although it is one of the wealthiest islands with hurricane-resistant homes and a sturdy infrastructure, Bermuda has not 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 $50 million damage.
Forecasters said Fabian could knock some buildings off their foundations, damage crops and cause widespread flooding and erosion.
AP