Bermuda battens down for Ernesto

Hurricane Ernesto is set to pass close to or over Bermuda on Saturday morning, according to the latest forecasts. 

The Bermuda Weather Service predicted that the hurricane would pass the island between 25 nautical miles or directly over the island at 11am. 

However, it said the storm was likely to be slightly weaker than previously forecast with sustained winds of 97mph. 

The BWS said Bermuda itself was likely to experience sustained winds of 57 to 80mph with gusts to 100mph. 

The storm is expected to bring widespread and heavy rain, while seas inside the reef are expected to be 4 to 8 feet high. Storm surge was expected to be high as the storm's passage is likely to coincide with high tide. 

The Bermuda Government said the Bermuda airport would close at 8pm tonight. Several airlines have already cancelled their Saturday flights.  

Bus and ferry services would stop tonight and the Causeway between the main Bermuda island and the airport would be closed tonight as well and would remain closed on Saturday. 

Many banks and businesses said they would close at midday today, The Royal Gazette reported, while the Royal Bermuda Regiment would be mobilised on Friday so it could start hurricane clean-up as soon as the storm had passed. 

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