Tropical Storm Florence is set to strengthen to a Category Two hurricane by the time it reaches Bermuda and continues to threaten to come close to the Island.

The system, which was nearly 400 miles wide last night, is set to be packing 90 knot winds by tomorrow afternoon.

At noon today, the storm was 465 nautical miles south of the Island moving west-northwest at 11 knots and was approaching hurricane strength with winds of 60 knots gusting to 70 knots.

Weather forecasters were predicting the storm's closest point of approach would be at 11 a.m. on Monday when it would be 15 miles to the west of the Island.

The Bermuda Weather Service said winds are gaining strength today with tropical storm force winds expected tomorrow morning and hurricane force winds beginning overnight tomorrow through early Monday afternoon.

Meteorologist Declan O?Connell, of the Bermuda Weather Service, said late last night: ?I?ve just spoken with the US Hurricane Center and a direct hit has not been ruled out.?

Although weaker than Fabian which took four lives when it breached the Causeway walls in 2003, the public are being urged to make preparations and sit tight although the worst could happen overnight Sunday when it is set to be around 30 miles to the east-southeast.

Meteorologists warned sea conditions pose an equal danger to wind gusts with 20 foot seas outside the reef expected at the storm?s height. Heavy rain and storm surge flooding could pack a threat to areas such as the North Shore, Great Sound and Hamilton Harbour, particularly as high tide tomorrow night will be at 11.32 p.m. ? probably at the hurricane?s height.

Many cruise ships, many of which are due to arrive in Bermuda on Monday, were making alternative plans today. Airlines were mainly operating as normal today, but tonight's American Airlines flight 1443 from New York, which normally stays on the Island overnight, has been cancelled, according to the Bermuda Airport website.

Government?s Emergency Measures Organisation met late yesterday to ensure preparations. New Labour, Home Affairs and Public Safety Minister Derrick Burgess said: ?In the interest of safety, we strongly advise the public to use today as a period of preparation. Given the devastation of recent storms, it is understandable the public have great concerns.

?Regardless of whether the storm centre moves away, we are definitely in for a prolonged period of tropical storm force winds. However I can assure you we are prepared and we encourage you to listen closely and follow the advisories.?

Islanders appeared to be taking the threat seriously. Virtually all the customers leaving Masters store in Hamilton yesterday lunchtime said they were preparing for Florence.

Long queues snaked right through the store which had signs up warning customers there would be no returns allowed on hurricane goods.

?We?re looking for lanterns. They?ve sold out here and at Gorhams, said Pat Trimm from Pembroke. ?I?m a bit concerned, but not too much. You don?t want your lights going out.?

Carolyn Wagensveld, from Warwick, is newly-arrived in Bermuda to teach at Somersfield Academy in Devonshire. Having only landed last Thursday from her native Toronto, she said she was looking to locals for guidance as she has never experienced a hurricane before.

?I?m a little nervous but the Islanders don?t seem to worried, so I?m not too worried,? she said. She explained that she had visited Masters to stock up on candles.

Castle Harbour is being closely monitored and if winds reach 50 m.p.h. the Causeway will be shut and the public notified via the media.

The Bermuda Regiment are on alert and CedarBridge has been prepared as a shelter while rest homes across the Island have been checked.

The ferry service will cease operations tonight with no ferry service on Sunday however PTB are running buses until further notice. Government offices and schools are still set to open on Monday however the EMO will meet this afternoon and will then further update the public.

The Emergency Assistance Organisation will be ready to assist once the storm has passed.