HAMILTON, Bermuda (AP) — People on the tiny British territory of Bermuda are preparing for Hurricane Gonzalo, which is roaring toward them as a major Category 4 storm. It has top sustained winds of 145 miles an hour, after increasing slightly in strength today.

The center of the storm is expected to be near Bermuda tomorrow afternoon and evening. Tropical storm conditions are expected by late today.

A spokesman for the Bermuda government says a high school has been opened as a shelter, but that he believes most people will stay home. He says homes in Bermuda are built to withstand hurricanes.

The last major hurricane to strike Bermuda was Fabian in 2003. It was a Category 3 storm that killed four people.

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121-a-07-(Michael Brennan, senior hurricane specialist, National Hurricane Center, in AP interview)-“the storm today”-National Hurricane Center specialist Michael Brennan says time is running out to hunker down as Gonzalo approaches Bermuda. (16 Oct 2014)

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119-a-08-(Michael Brennan, senior hurricane specialist, National Hurricane Center, in AP interview)-“Bermuda on Friday”-National Hurricane Center specialist Michael Brennan says they expect Gonzalo to maintain its intensity throughout the day. (16 Oct 2014)

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APPHOTO NY110: This image provided by NOAA Thursday Oct. 16, 2014 shows Hurricane Gonzalo, lower right. At 2 a.m. EDT Thursday the storm had top sustained winds near 125 mph (205 kph) and was centered about 555 miles (1,075 kilometers) south south-west of Bermuda early Thursday, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said. It was moving north at 9 mph (20 kph). (AP Photo/NOAA) (15 Oct 2014)

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