The storm has sent huge waves crashing over coastal defences in Bermuda Fierce waves and high winds from Hurricane Igor are pounding the Bermuda islands, causing flooding and cutting power to thousands of homes.
The storm, which is sweeping west from the Atlantic Ocean, has been downgraded to a category one hurricane.
However, Bermudan authorities warn that it could be the worst storm the British overseas territory has ever seen.
A Royal Navy warship and helicopter are standing offshore ready to help with relief efforts.
The eye of the hurricane is passing just west of the islands, but with winds extending 90 miles (150km) from the centre, substantial damage is feared.
Residents battened down their homes and property, as winds of 75mph (120km/h) brought down trees and power lines.
Flooding was reported in low-lying areas, while streets in the capital Hamilton were under several inches of water and littered with storm debris.
“Everybody just hunker down and wait until this thing is over,” a spokesman for the island’s emergency measures organisation advised.
Officials have warned that Igor could rival Hurricane Fabian, which claimed four lives and caused millions of dollars of damage in 2003.
“Our country and our people have, throughout our history, rarely faced the full fury of a storm of this magnitude,” warned Premier Ewart Brown.
“As a people we will continue to pray that once again we will be spared.”
As well as having the Royal Navy ship standing by, authorities have also mobilised the island’s forces – the Bermuda Regiment.
Bermuda is a chain of 138 islands, many of them small and uninhabited, spanning only 22 sq miles (57 sq km).
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