Bermuda should be get prepared as Hurricane Bill appears to be heading close to the Island and could increase to a category three storm as it nears.

According to latest predictions last night, Hurricane Bill is expected to come closest to the Island about 100 miles away on Saturday morning.

Yesterday it was packing maximum sustained winds of about 90 miles per hour, but that could increase to 110 mph if it reaches category three.

Bill is the first hurricane of the 2009 season and Bermuda Weather Service forecaster Geoffrey Saville said: "It is currently way down to the south east.

"It is a long way away. If it does come up towards Bermuda, the forecast says that it will pass to the west of the Island.

"There is still a period of uncertainty. It could actually go anywhere within the forecast cone, the possible area the hurricane may travel in.

"We are within that so it is certainly something to watch. If it does come near us, it could be a major hurricane."

Last night, the hurricane was about 975 miles east of the Lesser Antilles and moving west-northwest at 16 mph.

Bill is likely to become a major hurricane by Wednesday thanks to warm water and minimal upper-level winds which can disrupt hurricanes, according to Jeff Master, director of meteorology for the Weather Underground. "It is a pretty big hurricane already. The forecast tracks, they do change so it is not coming right now but there's a lot of indications to say it's going to change. So we need to be prepared. Have your hurricane plans ready.

"With the current advisory, it is expected to pass on Saturday by the west. It is still a long way off. It is looking like it is starting to turn. It is something to watch and be concerned about there's a little bit of time to still prepare."

The hurricane is part of activity that saw three tropical storms — Ana, Bill and Claudette — within a 33 hour period.

Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30.

Hurricane Season: Be prepared

According to the Argus Insurance website, www.argus.bm, here are some top tips on you should do before a hurricane:

• Secure or bring inside all outdoor objects that could be blown around by high winds: BBQ, garbage cans, lawn furniture

• Stock up on drinking water, canned goods, get a manual can opener and non-perishable foods

• Make sure to have an adequate supply of your prescription drugs

• Fill your bathtubs and buckets with water to flush toilets

• Make sure your portable radio is working. Stock up on extra batteries

• Check that your flashlights are in working order and that you have enough bulbs and batteries

• Locate your emergency candles and matches

• When using candles, guard against fire by keeping a bucket of sand to absorb small fires or smother flammable liquids

• Plug downpipes on the roof to prevent salt water contamination if you can easily do so without causing personal injury

Close your shutters/blinds or board up your windows. If you do not have appropriate supplies, apply masking tape in the shape of an "X" on your windows. This may stop the glass from shattering

• Charge your cell phone

• Fill your car and/or bike with gas

• Park cars away from the house and large trees

• Unplug electrical appliances

• Secure your boat, check the up-chain and bridle of your boat mooring. Don't use nylon bridles as they can rub through

• Fill your cooler with ice

• Have some sturdy working gloves and large trash bags on hand

• Bring in all pets with plenty of time to spare

• Have a household fire extinguisher at hand