Bermuda Braces for Hurricane Nicole
October 12 2016 - 10:50PM
Dow Jones News
HAMILTON, Bermuda—Heavy wind and rain began battering Bermuda
late Wednesday as the British territory braced itself for Hurricane
Nicole, which became a major Category 3 storm as it tracked toward
the tiny island in the northern Atlantic Ocean.
The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami said the storm was
expected to pass near or over Bermuda on Thursday morning. Nicole
was located about 210 miles (338 kilometers) south-southwest of
Bermuda late Wednesday. It had maximum sustained winds of 115 mile
per hour (185 kph) and was moving north-northeast at 10 mph (16
kph).
The storm could strengthen even more as it approaches Bermuda,
forecasters said.
While Bermuda has sturdy infrastructure and is accustomed to
storms, government officials urged people to prepare for the
hurricane and remain indoors on Wednesday and Thursday.
"We have a long night in front of us," Premier Michael Dunkley
said. "We better be prepared for the onslaught of hurricane force
winds, but if we heed the warnings, we will be in a strong position
once the storm blows through."
Earlier on Wednesday, authorities closed schools and government
offices as shops and gas stations reported brisk business ahead of
the storm, with people buying batteries, matches, alcohol and
ready-cooked meals.
"Whatever happens, people are not going to go hungry," resident
Byron Trott said as he pushed a bulging shopping cart toward the
checkout counter.
Bars in the capital of Hamilton remained busy, but most planned
to close by late Wednesday night. Meanwhile, hotels reported an
uptick in bookings as people sought shelters with power.
Businesses were largely boarded up by Wednesday night, and
dozens of vessels from one marina were already neatly packed away
between historical buildings in Mangrove Bay, a popular spot for
water activities in Bermuda's northwest tip.
American Airlines and Air Canada are among several that have
canceled flights to the island, and several cruise ships have
canceled trips as well.
The hurricane is kicking up heavy surf in islands south of
Bermuda including Puerto Rico, where authorities said they were
looking for the body of a surfer who disappeared on Tuesday. He was
identified as 37-year-old Gabriel Pantoja.
Copyright 2016 Associated Press
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
October 12, 2016 22:35 ET (02:35 GMT)
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