battening down the hatches trying to limit the damage caused by the imminent storm.

Shutters were pulled tight, windows taped and all machines hauled indoors out of danger.

Many employers allowed their staff home early to prepare for the high winds and rain and most companies could not say whether they would be opening for business until they knew how severe the storm would be.

But many shops decided that they would not be opening today and told staff to not even try to come in for work.

A large number of businesses were not contactable yesterday afternoon after businesses closed early. The Bank of N.T. Butterfield and the Bank of Bermuda closed early last night and both had recorded messages on their switchboards.

The Bank of Butterfield said they had closed early due to hurricane conditions and The Bank of Bermuda said they would be closed until further notice.

At 5 p.m. there was no answer at the Bermuda Stock Exchange.

Trimingham Brothers closed its doors to all its shops four hours early last night at 5.30 p.m. and will be closed today. The windows in their shops will be one of the few not boarded up as the glass they use is bullet proof.

Trimingham's President Eldon Trimngham said: "We have been replacing it gradually over the years in anticipation of a situation.'' He added the store would be closed today and probably open tomorrow, weather permitting.

A spokeswoman for Bermuda Telephone Company Ltd (BTC) said: "We will be maintaining all essential services.'' Staff at BTC were allowed to leave the office at 4 p.m. to help them prepare for the storm, and emergency crews were on standby. At Watlington Waterworks, as cars queued for bottles of water, staff were taping up windows and bringing equipment inside.

The MarketPlace was due to stay open last night until 10 p.m., and was scheduled to be closed this morning. Depending on conditions, store managers would consider opening in the afternoon.