BERMUDA IS BRACING itself for the onslaught of Hurricane Igor- a cetegory two storm which should arrive by tomorrow.

The British overseas territory expects tropical storms this evening, with a “dangerous” storm surge due to cause coastal flooding, the US National Hurricane Center (NHC) said.

Bermudan forecasters say that the eye of Igor could pass just twelve miles from Bermuda. The Bermuda Sun reports that the island’s only airports is to close until Monday at the least, with all traffic lights also being turned off in the main city of Hamilton from 4pm today.

Public Safety Minister David Burch has warned the island’s 67,000 residents to prepare for “probably the worst storm we have seen”. “I really would like to stress to everyone in the Country it’s important that you prepare and take the necessary steps. This storm is probably the worst we have seen,” Sen. Burch told a press conference yesterday.

Fifty-foot waves and storm surges are also expected. The Bermuda Weather Service issued the following forecast:

“Hurricane Igor is expected to be a direct hit, passing over Bermuda early Monday morning. Tropical storm force winds will develop Saturday night then increase to hurricane force Sunday afternoon. Wind speed and direction will be dependent on subtle track changes that are likely over the next few days. Heavy rain and thunder are likely as Igor passes.”