With Hurricane Igor ready to batter Bermuda this weekend, Public Safety Minister David Burch warned residents to prepare for “probably the worst storm we have seen”.

The Bermuda Weather Service 9pm update today (September 18) said Igor, still a Category 2 storm, was forecast to reach its closest point to the Island at midnight on Sunday (September 20) when it will be 17 nautical miles to the west of the Island.

Moving at 12 knots, it is expected to bring sustained winds of up to 90 knots (100 miles per hour) with gusts up to 105 knots (121 mph).

A Belco spokeswoman said at 9.30 p.m. today there had been a handful of isolated power outages this evening.

Last night forecasters said gale force winds are expected to hit Bermuda for around 40 hours, from 11 p.m. today. They will be hurricane force for 11 hours, from 6 p.m. tomorrow until 5 a.m. on Monday.

As fierce as Fabian and covering a far greater area, Igor brings the threat of 50-feet high waves, storm surges endangering shoreline properties, potential tornadoes and road flooding from heavy rainfall.

“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.

The Royal Navy’s destroyer HMS Manchester, which has a helicopter, is ready to help deal with the aftermath, Sen. Burch said.

HMS Manchester helped in Anguilla and Montserrat following Hurricane Earl, with Deputy Governor David Arkley telling The Royal Gazette yesterday: “The crew have very recent experience of helping Overseas Territories in the aftermath of hurricanes.

“It is difficult to say what exact role they would undertake until we see what is required after the hurricane has passed. HMS Manchester is equipped with a helicopter which could prove extremely useful in conducting an initial damage assessment.”

Sen. Burch revealed other details of Bermuda’s contingency plans for the next few days, including:

• L.F. Wade International Airport will close this afternoon, probably until Monday;

• the Causeway will shut when easterly winds reach 50 knots (57 mph) — probably tomorrow afternoon — although Sen. Burch is hopeful the structure itself won’t suffer major damage;

• Bermuda Regiment will have a partial embodiment at Warwick Camp tomorrow morning; remaining soldiers and Reserve Police are on standby;

• all public schools will be closed on Monday, with a full assessment on Tuesday before they open;

• King Edward VII Memorial Hospital is ready for action, as well as the Lambe Foggo Urgent Care Centre in the East End.

Hotels, Belco and telecommunications companies are said to have their own plans in place.

An emergency shelter has been set up at CedarBridge Academy, while residents in low lying areas have been contacted to ensure their properties are secure.

As the storm dies down, residents are urged to avoid using the roads to explore any damage before the emergency teams make a full assessment.

Sen. Burch said Igor’s impact would be “ferocious”.

“We have all heard the reports from the Bermuda Weather Service that this storm will be a long and punishing one and the potential for injury and physical damage is great,” he told the press conference.

Police Commissioner Michael DeSilva said he was ready to provide law enforcement particularly in the immediate aftermath of the storm, when properties will be particularly vulnerable.

The Emergency Broadcast station at 100.1 FM is the official source for Hurricane Igor information, while EMO can be contacted after the storm has passed on 292-6325 or 292-6330.