With the seas already beginning to swell due to a category five hurricane to the south of the Island the public are being advised not to swim at South Shore beaches this weekend.

Bermuda Weather Service Meteorologist Declan O'Connell said although the hurricane's closet point of approach is scheduled to be Sunday at 10 p.m., when Isabel will be 525 nm to the south-south west, the Island has already begun to feel sea swells and high winds.

And the Department of Parks issued an "urgent advisory" to swimmers this weekend.

"We are expecting Hurricane Isabel to produce very rough surf swells as it passes south of the Island over the weekend and into the early part of next week.

"As a result, we have posted surf warning signs along the South Shore and are urging the public not to swim at any of those beaches this weekend," said Candy Foggo, the Director of Parks.

Showers are expected to continue today, similar to yesterday's sporadic rainfall, and a small craft warning that went into affect yesterday is likely to continue throughout the weekend, Mr. O'Connell said.

"Until the hurricane passes, the Island will continue to see swells," he added.