This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/americas/5331622.stm

The article has changed 5 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Hurricane bears down on Bermuda Hurricane bears down on Bermuda
(about 11 hours later)
Storm Florence has strengthened into a category one hurricane as it heads towards the Bermuda islands. Hurricane Florence has strengthened further as it heads towards the Bermuda islands in the Caribbean.
The sixth tropical storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, Florence was upgraded early on Sunday with winds of up to 120km/h (75mph). The sixth storm of the season, Florence reached hurricane strength early on Sunday. It now has maximum winds of about 130km/h (80mph).
It is expected to strengthen further and reach the tiny UK territory on Monday - although it is not clear whether it will be a direct hit. It is expected to pass a short distance to the west of the tiny UK territory on Monday - although it is not expected to strengthen again before then.
Bermuda residents have been boarding up windows and moving boats.Bermuda residents have been boarding up windows and moving boats.
At 2100 GMT, Hurricane Florence was centred about 300km (185 miles) south of Bermuda, moving north-west at 20km/h (13mph), the US National Hurricane Center said. At 0900 GMT, Hurricane Florence was centred about 125km (80 miles) west-southwest of Bermuda, moving north at 19km/h (12mph), the US National Hurricane Center said.
Airport closedAirport closed
According to the centre Bermuda is likely to experience 13-20cm (five to eight inches) of rain and heavy sea surges as a result of Florence's arrival. According to the centre Bermuda is likely to experience 5-10cm (two to four inches) of rain and heavy sea surges as a result of Florence's arrival.
The authorities have shut the airport and put emergency workers on standby.The authorities have shut the airport and put emergency workers on standby.
"The public is encouraged to stock up on normal hurricane supplies and to secure their homes, lawn furniture and any other loose items which could be affected by high winds," Home Affairs and Public Safety Minister Derrick Burgess said on Saturday. href="/1/hi/in_pictures/5334232.stm" class="">Florence: Your pictures "The public is encouraged to stock up on normal hurricane supplies and to secure their homes, lawn furniture and any other loose items which could be affected by high winds," Home Affairs and Public Safety Minister Derrick Burgess said on Saturday.
Some tourists have left, but the vast majority are reported to be staying put.Some tourists have left, but the vast majority are reported to be staying put.
The government insists it has the situation under control.The government insists it has the situation under control.
"We are definitely in for a prolonged period of tropical storm force winds. However, I can assure you we are prepared," Mr Burgess said."We are definitely in for a prolonged period of tropical storm force winds. However, I can assure you we are prepared," Mr Burgess said.
Last year a record-breaking number of hurricanes formed over the Atlantic, the most-damaging of which was Hurricane Katrina which hit New Orleans and other parts of the US Gulf Coast.Last year a record-breaking number of hurricanes formed over the Atlantic, the most-damaging of which was Hurricane Katrina which hit New Orleans and other parts of the US Gulf Coast.

We'd like to see your pictures of how you're preparing for Hurricane Florence. Send them to yourpics@bbc.co.uk

We'd like to see your pictures of how you're preparing for Hurricane Florence. Send them to yourpics@bbc.co.uk
Click here for terms and conditions on sending photos and videoClick here for terms and conditions on sending photos and video
Are you in Bermuda and are you preparing for the arrival of Hurricane Florence?Send us your comments and experiences using the form below.Are you in Bermuda and are you preparing for the arrival of Hurricane Florence?Send us your comments and experiences using the form below.
Name
Name