Hamilton, Bermuda ? Florence intensified into the second hurricane of the Atlantic season Sunday as it neared Bermuda, where residents stocked up on provisions and formed long lines at gas stations in the lashing rain.

Florence was expected to pass “very near” the tiny British territory today, according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami. But it was too early to tell whether it will make a direct hit.

The Category 1 hurricane, which had had maximum sustained winds near 90 mph Sunday evening, was expected to become a Category 2 hurricane as it passed Bermuda, according to the hurricane center.

The storm was expected to veer from the U.S. coast as it turns north toward Bermuda, 640 miles east of the U.S. But forecasters said it was creating high surf and dangerous rip currents in the Bahamas and along parts of the U.S. eastern seaboard.