Oct. 1 (UPI) — Hurricane Imelda early Wednesday was approaching Bermuda, where forecasters were warning to hurry and complete preparations to “protect life and property” before the storm arrives.

Its eye was located about 520 miles west-southwest of Bermuda, according to the 2 a.m. EDT update from the National Hurricane Center, which said the British overseas territory should be expected to experience hurricane-force winds from Imelda later Wednesday.

The forecasters said it had maximum sustained winds of 85 mph and was moving east-northeast at a rapid 17 mph, though it is expected to speed up over the next few days.

“On the forecast track, the core of the hurricane will be near Bermuda this afternoon or evening,” the NHC said.

Imelda, the ninth named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, is expected to strengthen through Wednesday as it approaches Bermuda and could be a Category 2 storm by the time it nears the island.