Bermuda prepares for direct hit from Hurricane Nicole

HAMILTON, Bermuda (AP):
Authorities in Bermuda are closing schools and government offices as the British territory prepares for a direct hit from Hurricane Nicole.

The Category 2 storm is expected to strengthen a bit before striking the island on Thursday.

The US National Hurricane Center in Miami says Nicole was located about 320 miles (520 kilometers) south-southwest of Bermuda on Wednesday morning. It had maximum sustained winds of 100 mph (155 kph) and was moving north-northwest at 5 mph (7 kph).

American Airlines and Air Canada are among several that have canceled flights to the island.

Bermuda has sturdy infrastructure and is accustomed to storms.