The Atlantic’s second named storm this year has reached hurricane strength but is still expected to pass well to the Island’s west this afternoon.

As of noon, Hurricane Bertha was around 537 nautical miles west-southwest of Bermuda and moving north. According to forecasts, the storm is expected to reach its closest point of approach at around 8pm, passing around 304 nautical miles to the Island’s northwest.

The category one hurricane, which passed over the Bahamas yesterday, last night had maximum sustained winds of 120kph (85mph) with hurricane force winds extending up to 25 nautical miles (35km) from the storm’s centre. According to the US National Hurricane Center, the storm is expected to gradually weaken over the course of today and tomorrow.

The Bermuda Weather Service has listed the storm as a potential threat to the Island as it is forecast to pass within 400 nautical miles of Bermuda in the next three days.

The service’s public forecast stated last night: “A strong Bermuda-Azores high will hold category one Hurricane Bertha well to our west as it passes during Tuesday. In the wake of Bertha, a developing cold front will bring strengthening winds and showers on Wednesday, with some heavier showers and possible thunder Wednesday night and Thursday.”

The service also launched a small craft warning to be in effect for tomorrow.