Bermuda braces for approaching Hurricane Leslie

(AP) Tourists are postponing holidays in Bermuda and locals are stocking up on emergency supplies as Hurricane Leslie approaches the wealthy British Atlantic territory.

Hotel cancellations were reported across the territory, which is popular with tourists for its pink sand beaches and with businesspeople as an offshore financial haven.

Beaches were closed Thursday as the approaching storm whipped up surf. Residents stocked up on batteries, food and water.

Leslie's center is forecast to pass to the east of Bermuda early Sunday as a Category 2 hurricane. On Thursday, it was drifting over open ocean south-southeast of Bermuda.