Extra flights were laid on yesterday to evacuate tourists out of harm’s way as Bermuda braces itself for Hurricane Gonzalo.
LF Wade airport will stay closed today and experts have warned of strong winds bringing a potentially life-threatening storm surge.
The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami said conditions would start deteriorating later this morning.
Officials said it was packing a wind force of 130 mph on its approach southwest of the British territory earlier Friday.
Just days after Tropical Storm Fay, Bermudans are taking no chances.
People have been stocking up on supplies, boarded up homes and businesses and moved boats out of the projected eye of the storm.
Around 1,000 homes are still without power after Fay struck.
The worst storm to hit Bermuda was Hurricane Fabian in 2003, which caused over $300 million in damage and the Bermuda Weather Service says Gonzalo could follow a very similar path.
"The direction of the swells and the winds will be very reminiscent of Fabian. If your property was exposed and received damage during Fabian, you will want to prepare for that again," said BWS director Kimberley Zuill.
The British Navy has sent a warship to the area to provide relief supplies and should arrive by early Saturday.
"All agencies have been hard at work clearing away the downed trees and other debris left after Tropical Storm Fay," said Premier Michael Dunkley.
"Now we must turn our attention to preparation for what is likely to be a more severe storm with greater impact."
