Hurricane Gonzalo weakens after passing Bermuda

Hurricane Gonzalo has weakened after it passed over Bermuda in the North Atlantic Ocean.

According to the National Hurricane Center in Miami, Gonzalo has weakened from a powerful Category 3 storm Friday evening to a Category 2 storm, CNN reported.

It battered the island with wind gusts that topped 115 metres per hour at one point, the center said, as the storm moved in a northeasterly direction at 16 metres per hour.

Forecasters had warned the storm could disrupt power, damage property and may cause flooding.

Ahead of the storm, Bermuda closed schools, shut down bus and ferry service, and opened up shelters.

Hurricane Fabian had hit Bermuda in 2003, the most powerful in 50 years. It caused damages of about $300 million.