'Extremely Dangerous' Hurricane Nicole Headed for Bermuda

Bermuda is bracing for a potentially destructive hurricane Thursday. Meteorologists classified Hurricane Nicole as a Category 4 storm, meaning sustained winds of at least 111 mph.

By late Wednesday, the storm, packing winds up to 130 mph, was about 180 miles southwest of Bermuda.

The National Hurricane Center is calling Nicole an "extremely dangerous" storm and is urging islanders to prepare.

"Hurricanes of this intensity passing close to Bermuda are rare," the NHC said on its website. "Since 1950, there have been only three major hurricanes that passed within 64 nautical miles of Hamilton, Bermuda."

Heavy rain and strong winds were already impacting the island on Wednesday and officials planned to close schools and government offices. 

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