Businesses across Bermuda are bracing themselves for the potential impact of Hurricane Igor this weekend.

Customers will be able to call the Freisenbruch-Meyer Group with any questions about their insurance policies with the insurer monitoring the hurricane's development closely.

But Butterfield Bank will be closing its in-branch banking and drive-thru banking services on Saturday. The bank's Internet and telephone banking services, however, will be available as usual.

Meanwhile insurance executives from the Island who have been attending the Rendez-Vous de Septembre in Monte Carlo have been tracking the progress of the storm and revising their travel plans, with one chief executive considering evacuating his family, as reported in Insurance Day.

However hurricane experts believe that Bermuda will be able to withstand the full force of the storm.

Shiraj Khan, senior engineer for research and modelling at AIR Worldwide, said: "Because Bermuda has experienced high winds in the past, the buildings on the Island are generally better designed to resist wind loads.

"The buildings in Bermuda are generally made up of masonry with higher quality roofs. These type of structures are less vulnerable to hurricane-force winds."

The Island was last hit directly by Hurricane Fabian in 2003, coincidentally also during the Monte Carlo Rendez-Vous, and despite robust building codes it caused significant infrastructural damage, including destroying the Causeway.

Tim Doggett, principal scientist at AIR Worldwide, said: "If the current forecast is maintained, the storm will be heading directly for Bermuda in three to five days. But it is worth remembering Bermuda is a very small target and right now Igor is a very small storm (in terms of windspan)."

Butterfield Bank's Island-wide ATM network will also be available, but customers are advised that, to prevent damage, certain ATMs exposed to the elements will be taken out of service starting on Saturday.

The bank said it regrets any inconvenience this may cause.

More information about the impact of the storm on the bank's services will be available on its website at www.butterfieldgroup.com

Freisenbruch-Meyer policy holders can call 296-3600 or visit the website at www.fmgroup.bm for advice on hurricane readiness.