A storm warning has been issued as the Island braces itself for another blast of high winds and wet weather.

Hail could hit the Island today as the Island battens down the hatches for its second hammering in a week.

Wind speeds could hit 50 knots this morning but things are expected to calm down in the afternoon.

Heavy rain is forecast throughout the day but things are set to calm down over the weekend though showers are still forecast.

Meteorologist Ken Smith of the Bermuda Weather Service said of the storm warning: "That's right in the middle of a gale and a hurricane.

"If people have loose garden furniture they should put it away.

"They need to make sure boats are tied up securely and pets should not be left outside.'' Today's small craft warning is likely to hold over the weekend but there is hope on the horizon.

"There looks like a broad area of low pressure for the beginning part of the week so it might just settle down for a couple of days,'' said Mr. Smith.

The wet weather has played havoc with crops.

Farmer Roger Pacheco said he feared hail could hammer his tomatoes -- already jeopardised by too much water -- which in normal weather would be harvested within the next three weeks.

He said: "We have been on top of them for ten days stopping the fungus -- with all the humidity and moisture you can get scabs on the plant and it will wilt and you will have to pull it up or it will spread.

"There's been way too much moisture.'' Mr. Pacheco say his farms have been hit by soil erosion caused by the recent deluge while heavy rain had hit certain plants.

"We have lost some stuff -- brocolli, cabbage and romaine lettuce. It's hard