Hurricane Kate has passed Bermuda and is not considered a threat to the Island.

At 5am today, the storm was 260 miles north of Bermuda, and continuing to travel in a north-eastern direction, with maximum winds of 75mph and gusts of 92mph.

The Bermuda Weather Service confirmed that while Kate has now been upgraded to a Category 1 hurricane, its closest point of approach to the Island has passed, and it is not a threat to Bermuda.

However, a tropical warning remains in place this morning, with the Weather Service forecasting strong winds with gusts to gale force to decrease this afternoon as Kate quickly moves away.

Morning showers will decrease in the afternoon, with a few lingering overnight, and winds will become moderate by tomorrow evening. A cold front will bring showers Friday night before cooler temperatures arrive for the weekend.

The Emergency Measures Organisation (EMO) met yesterday to discuss Kate, and the Ministry of Public Works asked residents to secure their trash and bins in advance of the onset of winds.

Belco said in a statement yesterday: “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 not 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.”

Kate is the fourth hurricane of the 2015 season, which does not officially end until November 30.