like the first time, forecasters said yesterday.

The National Hurricane Centre in Miami said tropical depression number five was expected to strengthen into Tropical Storm Emily today.

As of 7 p.m. last night, the depression was drifting slowly northward about 320 nautical miles southeast of the Island. A turn toward the west was expected.

The depression, still packing winds of only 30 knots with gusts to 40, was expected to pass 135 miles to the south of the Island at 11 p.m. on Friday.

The US Naval Oceonography Command Facility said the storm was considered a potential threat to Bermuda. But it was only expected to bring rain and winds "less intense than a winter gale.'' Sgt. John Dale said the Emergency Measures Organisation was monitoring the storm closely and "ready to go'' if Emily turned into a hurricane.

Hurricane Emily smashed ashore six years ago next month, her eye passing directly over Bermuda.

She hit on the morning of September 25, 1987, causing millions of dollars in damage. Packing winds in excess of 116 miles per hour, she destroyed vegetation and boats, ripped off roofs and tore into buildings and hotels Island-wide.