weather arrived.

Major resorts have been receiving cancellations as early as last Friday and by late yesterday many vacationers had left the Island -- with many more calling off their holidays.

And for those remaining, hotel staff were busy battening down the hatches, making sure there would be as little damage as possible from flying debris.

Sonesta general manager John Murtha said yesterday that hundreds of bednights had been lost in what was projected to be an extremely busy week for the South Shore hotel.

Around 225 guests were left in the hotel last night as employees began consolidating services into one or two outlets. Some workers were staying on the property to provide service.

In addition, plans were being made to move people to safe locations and all outside equipment was being made safe.

The beach and pools were all closed yesterday, and staff were also being allowed to attend to their own homes.

All hotels have emergency plans and most spent yesterday checking their equipment, including generators if the power goes off.

As the storm edges closer, all personnel were due to be banned from going outside, and activities were organised for those inside.

At the Southampton Princess, general manager Norm Mastilar said some guests were being moved from vulnerable rooms and there were preparations to evacuate people to the hotel ballrooms, in the event of damage.

He said Whale Bay Beach was closed yesterday and staff had secured all loose items.

HURRICANES HUR