Tropical Storm Colin is expected to come within 30 miles of Bermuda at it closest point tomorrow night, Government said this afternoon.

The storm, which could still strengthen to a hurricane, will pack winds of up to 50 knots, almost 60 mph, and the public is being urged to stock up on essential goods such as torches, non-perishable foods and water.

Winds of up to 50 knots, almost 60 mph, are expected and the public is being urged to stock up on essential goods such as flashlights, non-perishable foods and water.

TS Colin’s closest point of approach is expected to be at 1 a.m. tomorrow morning when it will pass 18 nautical miles to the west northwest.

Beaches along the South Shore were closed as the storm causes dangerous rip tides - and depending on the weather conditions they may not open again until Monday.

In a statement at about 2 p.m today, Minister of Labour, Home Affairs and Housing, Senator David Burch said the latest information from the Bermuda Weather Service indicated that the storm was expected to come within 27 miles of the Island at approximately 11 p.m. tomorrow and that the Island can expect tropical storm force winds through tomorrow until Sunday morning.

“The onset of tropical storm force winds of 30 to 40 knots is expected Saturday afternoon. The onset of intermittent 50 knot winds are expected Saturday evening, from around 6pm, with the cessation of 40 to 50 knots at approximately 3 a.m. to 4 a.m. Sunday. The Causeway will be monitored to ensure the safety of motorists.

“The L.F. Wade International Airport is monitoring the situation and the public is urged to call their airline to make sure their flights are operating as normal. Cessation of tropical storm force winds is expected at approximately 6am Sunday morning,” said Sen. Burch,

His statement added: “There is potential for higher gusts and heavy rainfall/thunderstorms anytime Saturday afternoon through the overnight period. There is also a small chance that Colin may see additional strengthening to a Category 1 Hurricane (64 knots or greater) in the next 24 hours.

“Residents are advised to check their emergency kits to be sure supplies are adequate. A typical emergency kit would include items such as flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, non-perishable foods, an ample water supply and disposable utensils.

“Additionally, those residents with boats should make certain that their vessels are properly secured to prevent damage. It is also recommended that residents tie down any loose outdoor furniture or potted plants to prevent undue damage.”

This afternoon lifeguards at Horseshoe Bay shut down swimming to more than half the beach due to very dangerous rip currents in addition to flying the yellow flag discouraging weak swimmers from entering the water and others to exercise extreme care and caution while in or near the water.

A spokesman for the Parks Department said: “As of 6 p.m. tonight (Friday, August 6), the lifeguards towers at Horseshoe Bay, John Smith’s Bay, Clearwater Beach, Turtle Beach and Long Bay Coopers Island will be closed until Monday. Should weather and resources allow the lifeguards will attempt to resume operations sometime on Sunday.

“In anticipation of increased high surf overnight and through the day tomorrow, the Department of Parks will be erected high surf warning signs in our National Parks from Whale Bay, Southampton, eastward along the south shore parks through to and including John Smith’s Bay, Smiths and then Clearwater and Turtle Beach in St. David’s.

“The Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve will be closed to the public as of 6pm tonight until further notice.”

For more information on Tropical Storm Colin, residents can tune in to or log on to the following:

* Hurricane preparedness: www.emo.gov.bm

* Online weather updates: www.weather.bm

* Televised weather updates: CableVision Ch. 4 and WOW Ch. 100

* For The Public Forecast: Dial 977

* For The Current Observation: Dial 9771

* For The Marine Forecast Dial: 9772

* For Latest Warnings and Tropical Information: Dial 9773