Bermudans relieved
Published:Monday | September 20, 2010 | 5:28 PM
The National Hurricane Centre in Miami says a weakening Hurricane Igor is expected to continue moving away from Bermuda today and should begin affecting Newfoundland in Canada by tomorrow.
The hurricane centre says Igor, which had maximum winds of 75 miles per hour earlier this afternoon, was located 135 miles north of Bermuda.
The Bermuda Weather Service has already downgraded its hurricane warning to a tropical storm warning as the winds caused some destruction on the tiny British Overseas Territory.
Weather officials say the hurricane battered the island with winds in excess of 90 miles per hour just before midnight but there were no immediate reports of death or injury.
The LF Wade International Airport cancelled all flights to and from the island and says it will remain closed until tomorrow morning.
A British Royal Navy ship and helicopter have been stationed offshore to assist in case of widespread damage, and authorities mobilised the island's part-time army - the Bermuda Regiment - placing 200 soldiers on standby.
The Canadian Hurricane Centre has issued a tropical storm watch for the coast of Newfoundland from Stones Cave eastward and northward to Jones Harbour.