Government last night urged residents to prepare for Hurricane Bill now and have all preparations in place by Friday morning.

The Emergency Measures Organisation (EMO) met yesterday to discuss the Category Two hurricane, expected to be at its closest point of 213 miles South west of the Island, between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. on Saturday.

It currently has maximum sustained winds of 115 knots, gusting up to 140 knots.

EMO spokesperson Dr. Derrick Binns, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour, said: "Based on our briefing, the EMO is taking this storm very seriously. Residents should as well.

"We have learnt 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."

The EMO is scheduled to meet again tomorrow to get an update on Hurricane Bill's progress.

According to meteorologist James Dodgson at the Bermuda Weather Service, the effects of the hurricane could be felt as early as tomorrow as swells and heavy surf begin to develop along the South Shore beaches.

At the latest predictions last night, meteorologists were expecting tropical storm force winds of around 34 knots, but there was still a large room for error. He added: "That is just the nature of the beast we are dealing with. Tropical Storm force winds seem the most likely scenario and watches and warnings will have to be considered in the next couple of days.

"Late Friday through much of Saturday is the mostly likely time frame, with frequent heavy squally spells of rain and possible embedded thunderstorms."

The Bermuda Weather Service will be monitoring Hurricane Bill as it moves closer to the Island and should have a better estimate of the severity either today or tomorrow.

Government has advised residents to check that their emergency kits are adequate and has items such as a flashlight, batteries, a first-aid kit, non-perishable food items, an ample water supply and disposable utensils immediately. They also urge boat owners to secure their vessels as soon as possible.

Police say boats should be removed from the water and secured on land, but advised boat owners who decide to leave their vessels in the water to make sure their moorings, chains and bridles are in good condition. A Police statement said: "Batteries and bilge pumps should be in good working order.

"Bimini tops, antennas and other equipment should be removed or tied down to prevent damage during the high winds.

"Punts and kayaks should be tied down or otherwise secured to prevent them from being washed or blown away. Under no circumstances should boat owners attempt to secure their vessels on a mooring during the storm, placing themselves and others at risk."

The spokesman added: "Property owners near the water should take similar precautions in securing all property on their docks and waterfront. Any items able to be blown or washed away should be properly secured in advance of the storm."

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 & Tropical Information: Dial 9773