Live updates: Hurricane Ernesto expected to bring life-threatening conditions to Bermuda as it approaches.

As Hurricane Ernesto continues its march toward Bermuda, residents and officials prepare for the arrival of the powerful storm.

Officials, residents and tourists in Bermuda hurried to finish preparations ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Ernesto, a Category 2 storm that left nearly a quarter-million people without power across Puerto Rico and will cause dangerous conditions along the eastern shore of the continental U.S.

Ernesto, now a Category 2 storm, was located 180 miles south-southwest of Bermuda with sustained winds of 100 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center's 2 p.m. ET advisory. Heavy rain and strong winds from the storm's outer bands were projected to begin lashing Bermuda as early as 2 p.m. Friday before the storm moves over or near the archipelago Saturday as a "large hurricane."

Because of the sheer size of the storm, rain totals through the weekend could climb between 6 to 12 inches, with isolated areas being inundated with 15 inches of rain. "This rainfall will likely result in considerable life-threatening flash flooding," the hurricane center said, adding that storm surge is expected to cause significant coastal flooding as destructive waves push higher on shore.

Residents across Bermuda spent recent days fortifying their homes, getting boats out of the ocean and stocking up on food, water and batteries, while officials announced plans to close the airport, main roads and public transportation services before the storm's worst conditions settle over the territory.

Michael Weeks, Bermuda’s minister of national security, urged residents at a Friday news conferenceto find shelter and stay indoors as the storm passes, warning, "We are about to endure at least 36 hours of hurricane and tropical storm force winds ... a significant time to be under such conditions that presents a considerable risk to life and property."

"Be under no illusion, this storm is the real deal," he said.

American on vacation in Bermuda hunkers down ahead of Ernesto

Daisy Dohanos arrived in Bermuda from New York last week to housesit while her friend went on vacation in Vermont. What started as a relaxing sojourn turned on its head suddenly as she began preparing for Hurricane Ernesto.

The owner of the house hired people to install plywood over the windows and latch the shutters. Dohanos went into town and bought candles, batteries, ice and some canned food. She filled up the bathtub and took in the outdoor furniture – as her friend guided her over the phone.