Fabian picks up speed, churns toward Bermuda

HAMILTON, Bermuda -- Hurricane Fabian pushed toward Bermuda on Thursday, churning waters and sending residents into frenzied preparations for what could be the worst storm to hit the islands in years.

Fabian was picking up speed and expected to slam into Bermuda by late Friday night. Bermuda's government issued a hurricane warning Thursday ahead of the Category 3 storm and closed all government offices.

Forecasters warned islanders of Fabian's lashing 120 mph winds and urged residents to protect "life and property." Several cruise ships that were docked in Bermuda left early, and others were taking different routes to avoid the storm. All Friday flights into Bermuda were canceled.

Businesses sent staff home early Thursday and boarded up offices, while islanders withdrew money from banks and formed long queues at gas stations.

"Secure your residences, boats, and any moveable objects that may place you or your family in danger," said Bermuda Premier Alex Scott.

Although it is one of the wealthiest islands with hurricane- resistant homes and a sturdy infrastructure, Bermuda hasn't seen a Category 3 hurricane since 1963, when Arlene destroyed crops and homes.

The last powerful hurricane to hit the British mid-Atlantic islands was Hurricane Emily in 1993, a Category 1 storm that tore off roofs, left homes without power for weeks and caused more than $50 million damage.

Forecasters said Fabian could knock some buildings off their foundations, damage crops and cause widespread flooding and erosion.

"It's a powerful hurricane, and there's no indication it's going to fall apart," said Lixion Avila, a meteorologist at the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami.

Forecasters worried the storm could produce powerful tornadoes and that winds could exceed 120 mph. Islands could lose power for days or weeks, said Gary Madeiros with the Bermuda Electric Light Co.

The government has opened up schools as evacuation shelters and urged people to leave 2,000 homes in flood-vulnerable areas. Those living on the exposed South Shore were also urged to leave.

Bartender Tanya Bartel said she was taking Fabian seriously and had duct-taped the windows of her north shore apartment.

"It's going to be close, if not a direct hit," she said. "If you have enough beer, ice, candles and cards to get through the weekend, you should be OK. The big talk is, 'do people have enough beer?' "

At 8 p.m. EDT, Fabian was about 350 miles south of Bermuda.

Bermuda's Public Safety Minister Randy Horton warned residents on Bermuda's south shore to either vacate their homes or board up properties.

Bermuda's building codes specify that homes must be built with walls at least 8 inches thick, and be able to withstand 150 mph gusts and sustained winds of 110 mph.

Former U.S. presidential candidate Ross Perot has a home in Bermuda, as do actors Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones.

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