Weather forecasters have described the hurricane taking aim at Bermuda as ‘extremely dangerous’ having strengthened overnight to a category 4 storm.
The US National Hurricane Center in Miami says aerial analysis reports winds have increased to 130 mph.
Slow moving Hurricane Nicole is travelling at about 15 miles an hour and is due to pass over or close to Bermuda early this morning.
The Bermuda Weather Service heavy rains have already begun to lash the island early Thursday and it could bring a potentially dangerous storm surge with water levels rising by about six feet.
A hurricane warning is in place in Bermuda.
"We have a long night in front of us," Premier Michael Dunkley said Wednesday.
"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."
According to its projected path, Hurricane Nicole will head out to sea and won’t affect the US coastline.
