Bermuda braces for hard hit from Fabian

HAMILTON, Bermuda -- Hurricane Fabian pushed toward Bermuda on Thursday, churning waters and sending residents into frenzied preparations for what could be the worst storm to hit the islands in years.

Fabian's eye was expected to reach Bermuda by Saturday. Bermuda's government issued a hurricane warning Thursday ahead of the Category 3 storm with winds of 120 mph.

Several cruise ships that were docked in Bermuda left early, and others were taking different routes to avoid the storm.

Although it is one of the wealthiest islands with hurricane-resistant homes and a sturdy infrastructure, Ber-muda hasn't seen a Category 3 hurricane since 1963, when Arlene destroyed crops and homes.

The last powerful hurricane to hit the British mid-Atlantic islands was Hurricane Emily, a Category 1 storm that tore off roofs, left homes without power for weeks and caused more than $50 million damage.

Forecasters said Fabian could knock some buildings off their foundations, damage crops and cause widespread flooding and erosion.

"It's a powerful hurricane and there's no indication it's going to fall apart," said Lixion Avila, a meteorologist at the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami.

Public Safety Minister Randy Horton warned residents to either vacate their homes or board up properties.

Bermuda's building codes specify that homes must be built with walls at least eight inches thick, and be able to withstand 150 mph gusts and sustained winds of 110 mph.

Former U.S. presidential candidate Ross Perot has a home in Bermuda, as do actors Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones.