Tropical Storm Fiona, which is carrying winds of between 50 mph and 60 mph, is considered a threat to Bermuda, according to the Bermuda Weather Service.

As of 6 p.m. today, the storm was 418 nautical miles south of the Island, heading north, north west at about 17 mph. Forecasters say its closest point of contact with Bermuda is due to be at 8 a.m. on Saturday when it will be around 11 miles away.

Government said the weather service had this afternoon issued a tropical storm warning and that starting tomorrow evening, Bermuda could expect to feel the effects of the storm.

A spokesperson said: “The BWS advised that Fiona will bring tropical storm force winds of 30 to 40 knots starting Friday night, at around 8 p.m., and continuing into Saturday morning. Also, it is anticipated that the Island can expect to see periods of heavy rainfall from tomorrow night through Saturday morning.”

As a safety precaution, the Minister of Labour, Home Affairs and Housing, David Burch, is advising the public, particularly motorists, to use caution when travelling around the Island as the weather system approaches.

Senator Burch said: "In addition to asking cyclists to be extremely cautious when riding on our roads over the next day or so, we are encouraging all boat owners to secure all boats and other maritime vessels. Additionally, we are advising the public to secure their outdoor furniture, garbage bins or any other items that could be blown about by the wind."

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

* urricane preparedness: www.emo.gov.bm or www.emobermuda.com

* FaceBook updates: DCI_Dept. of Communication and Information

* 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