Satellite imagery suggests that Hurricane Gonzalo may weaken as it approaches the Island today, however the US National Hurricane Centre (NHC) warns this morning that “any weakening is probably too late to spare Bermuda, with almost all of the [data] showing the system as a major hurricane as it moves near by”.

Significant coastal flooding on Bermuda is likely if Gonzalo continues on the existing NHC forecast track.

“Although specific amounts cannot be forecast for Gonzalo, Hurricane Fabian produced an estimated ten feet of storm surge when it moved over Bermuda as a major hurricane in 2003, and similar values could occur with Gonzalo,” said a forecaster in a 5am update.

Hurricane Gonzalo was situated 295 miles south of the Island at 5.30am according to the latest update from the Bermuda Weather Service. It remains a Category 4 storm at this morning, the second-highest hurricane classification category, with maximum sustained winds of 140 miles per hour.

The closest point of approach is forecast to be within 28 miles of — or directly over — the Island at 8pm tonight.