Bermuda has been placed on hurricane watch as a tropical storm gathers force towards the island.
Tropical Storm Ernesto forced the temporary closure of VC Bird airport in Antigua and is now strengthening.
The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) confirmed that a hurricane watch is in effect for Bermuda.
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The NHC warned that maximum sustained winds have increased to near 85 mph with higher gusts.
“Strengthening is forecast during the next couple of days, and Ernesto could become a major hurricane by Friday.
“Ernesto is expected to produce total rain accumulations of 3 to 6 inches on Bermuda with isolated maximum amounts of 9 inches.
“This rainfall may result in considerable life-threatening flash flooding.”