Hurricane Nicole is moving away from Bermuda

5pm: 114 nautical miles away

Local winds at 2.55pm:: 37mph

Max sustained winds: 110mph

Movement: North-northeast at 21mph

Hurricane Nicole is now moving away from Bermuda, after bringing fierce winds, heavy rain, possible tornadoes and dangerous surf and rip currents throughout the day.

Tropical storm conditions are forecast to continue over Bermuda through this evening.

Storm surge was expected to peak at about six to eight feet on top of very high seas, bringing large and destructive waves, with between five and eight inches of rain also forecast over Bermuda.

Winds died down around the island as the eye passed over from about 11am, but started to return at about 12.30pm and have remained very strong throughout the afternoon. Earlier, at Commissioner’s Point, gusts of 122mph were recorded.

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Winds in Bermuda hit tropical storm level at 2am and intensified to hurricane level during the morning. The Bermuda Weather Service has estimated the island will be battered by nine hours of hurricane conditions, along with a full 24 hours of tropical storm winds.

In addition, the service estimated the island could feel 6ft to 8ft of storm surge, with seas between 25ft and 35ft.

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 70 miles from the centre of Nicole and tropical storm-force winds extend outward up to 185 miles.

The National Hurricane Centre said in a statement at 9.35am: “Surface observations indicate that sustained hurricane-force winds are now occurring on Bermuda. A sustained wind of 79mph and a gust to 105mph were recently reported at Pearl Island. The Bermuda Weather Service reports that an elevated station at Commissioner’s Point recently reported a sustained wind of 92mph and a gust to 122mph.”

In another statement at noon, the Centre said: “Do not venture out in the eye. Although winds in eye are light, hurricane conditions will return soon after the eye passes and will continue through early afternoon. Tropical storm conditions will continue through this evening.

“Swells associated with Nicole will affect Bermuda during the next few days, and will spread northward along the United States east coast from the Carolinas northward through the next few days.

“These swells will create dangerous surf conditions and rip currents. Please refer to products being issued by your local weather office for more information.”

During the storm, members of the public are warned to stay indoors and to resist the temptation to venture outside. People should remain indoors until emergency services indicate it is safe to move around the island again to give emergency personnel time to clear the roads.

The Emergency Broadcast Station, 100.1FM, is providing updates on the storm every half-hour.