People are being urged to start preparing for Hurricane Bill today — and have everything in place by Friday morning.

The Emergency Measures Organisation (EMO) this afternoon convened a formal meeting to get an update on the storm’s progress.

Resulting from the information provided in the briefing, the EMO is advising the public to begin to prepare for the impending storm today, because Hurricane Bill is considered a potential threat to Bermuda.

Today’s meeting was co-chaired by Dr. Derrick Binns, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour, Home Affairs and Housing and Police Commissioner George Jackson.

Dr. Binns said: “Based on our briefing today, the EMO is taking this storm very seriously. Residents should as well. We have learned from experience that hurricanes can cause tremendous destruction.

“We have a level of certainty that Bill will come quite close to the Island, therefore, by Friday morning, we are urging members of the public to have their preparations complete.”

Meanwhile Bermuda Weather Service Director, Dr. Mark Guishard advised the group that as of 4 p.m. today the storm’s closest point of approach is expected to be on Saturday, roughly between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m., when the storm will pass some 150 nautuical miles west of Bermuda.

Currently, Hurricane Bill is a strong category two hurricane, with maximum sustained winds of 90 knots, gusting up to 110 knots.

Dr. Binns said: “We have been following the storm closely since its inception, and today we reviewed our planning and procedures to ensure all are in sync.

“While we have not as yet issued hurricane warnings, I think it is important to advise residents to check their emergency kits to be sure supplies are adequate. A typical emergency kit would include items such as flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, non-perishable foods, an ample water supply and disposable utensils.

“Additionally, those residents with boats should make certain that their vessels are properly secured to prevent damage. It is also recommended that residents tie down any loose outdoor furniture or potted plants to prevent undue damage.”

The EMO is scheduled to meet again on Thursday morning to get an update on Hurricane Bill’s progress.

Over the next few days, the public are being encouraged to tune in to regular news reports and updates regarding Hurricane Bill particularly as it relates to possible changes in ferry and bus schedules.

For more information on Hurricane Bill, residents can tune in to or log on to the following:

* Hurricane preparedness: www.emo.gov.bm

* Online weather updates: www.weather.bm

* Televised weather updates: CableVision Ch. 4 and WOW Ch. 100

* For The Public Forecast: Dial 977

* For The Current Observation: Dial 9771

* For The Marine Forecast Dial: 9772

* For Latest Warnings and Tropical Information: Dial 9773