An increase in surf and swells is expected as Hurricane Danielle passes the Island this weekend.

The Emergency Measures Organisation held a formal meeting today - it later issued a warning to the public to stay out of the water until the dangerous conditions have passed.

The meeting was chaired by Acting Home Affairs Minister Walter Roban.

Representatives from the Bermuda Police Service, Government House, the Bermuda Regiment and various government ministries were also in attendance.

Yellow warning flags have been posted at popular beaches John Smith’s Bay and Horseshoe Bay, with the Department of Parks’ lifeguard service monitoring conditions.

“The public are advised that while Danielle is expected to pass in excess of 200 nautical miles of the Island, it is still being closely monitored until it has passed on Saturday,” said a spokesperson.

“Based on the latest information from the Bermuda Weather Service, Danielle's closest point of approach will roughly be 230 nautical miles to the east early Saturday evening around 6 p.m.

“Danielle is currently a Category Four storm with maximum sustained winds of 115 knots gusting up to 140 knots.”

For more warnings and hurricane updates see tomorrow’s Royal Gazette.