Meteorologists are keeping an eye on a newly formed tropical storm, which is expected to pass by Bermuda tomorrow morning as a Category 1 Hurricane.

Tropical Storm Kate was this morning about 600 miles southwest of Bermuda and moving north-northeast at 21mph.

Forecasts suggest the system will continue northward in the coming days while strengthening, reaching hurricane strength this evening before passing between Bermuda and the East Coast of the United States

The Bermuda Weather Service (BWS) has classified the storm as a potential threat to the Island. As of 11am today, the storm was expected to pass around 153 miles to the Island’s west-northwest at 5am tomorrow.

According to the National Hurricane Centre, the storm passed east of the northwest Bahamas at about 8pm yesterday and boasts maximum sustained winds of 70mph. Tropical storm force winds this morning extended outward up to 80 miles from the centre of the storm.

According to a spokesman for the Bermuda Government, the Emergency Measures Organisation is closely monitoring developments and is encouraging residents to stay abreast of updates from the BWS.

The service’s public forecast stated: “Winds [will] increase to strong late Tuesday night through part of Wednesday with additional shower activity as Tropical Storm Kate, currently near the Bahamas, passes to our northwest eventually being absorbed by another low to its north.”

This morning Walter Roban, the Shadow Minister of National Security, urged residents to take the necessary steps to prepare for the change in weather conditions.

He said: “The official reports indicate that Tropical Storm Kate will past to the west of Bermuda on Wednesday morning. At this point tropical storm conditions can change and change quickly.

“In light of our experience last year with hurricanes Fay and Gonzalo, we call on residents to begin preparations, pay attention to news reports on the weather in the days ahead and proceed in a sensible manner to ensure safety.”

Belco said in a statement shortly after 12pm today: “As in the past, Belco will respond to power outages as they occur and while it is safe to do so.

“Should you lose power call 955, however, if you are unable to get through, please note that engineers in our operations centre are monitoring all circuits and are instantly aware of large areas affected and the associated circuits.

“In the event that major restoration work is required after the storm, it will begin with essential services being restored followed by largest affected areas.

“Although a tropical storm warning is in effect, we encourage residents to please make all preparations early so that you and your families can be as comfortable and safe as possible.”