'Extremely dangerous' Hurricane Nicole approaches Bermuda

A hurricane which has been described as "extremely dangerous" is hurtling towards Bermuda with forecasters warning of a potentially destructive storm surge.

Hurricane Nicole has strengthened into a Category Four storm, and is expected to hit the tiny island in the northern Atlantic Ocean later on Thursday.

The US National Hurricane Center has called it "extremely dangerous" and has warned of "large and destructive waves".

Rain has already started to lash down and authorities have asked people to remain indoors.

Schools and offices have been shut.

Hundreds of people have already rushed to shops and petrol stations for last-minute provisions.

Premier Michael Dunkley said: "I believe we are generally ready for it. Now we just have to hope and pray for the best."

Businesses are largely boarded up, and hotels are reporting a surge in bookings as people sought shelters with power.

American Airlines and Air Canada are among several that have cancelled flights to the island, and several cruise ships have called off trips as well.

According to the Bermuda Weather Service, the island experiences a damaging cyclone once every six to seven years, but landfalls and direct hits are rare.

Last week, Hurricane Matthew devastated parts of Haiti, killing hundreds of people.