Bermuda prepares for Hurricane Rafael’s wind, rain
Oct 16, 2012, 5:26 PM
HAMILTON, Bermuda (AP) – Hurricane Rafael is expected to unleash heavy winds and rain as it passes east of Bermuda en route to open sea.
The storm is a Category 1 hurricane with winds near 90 mph (150 kph). It was located 225 miles (410 kilometers) south of Bermuda late Tuesday morning, moving north-northeast at 24 mph (39 kph).
Bermuda Weather Service director Kimberley Zuill said wind gusts at the island’s highest peaks could reach up to 75 mph and warned of flooding across the British territory.
Public schools and government offices remained open on Tuesday, while at least four flights have been cancelled.
The center of Rafael is expected to reach its closest point to Bermuda around 8 p.m. ADT (23:00 GMT) Tuesday, at more than 100 miles (161 kilometers) to the east-southeast.
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