with thunder, lightning and rain yesterday morning.

The storm came closest to the Island at around 3 a.m. but only its outer edge had any effect.

Just over three quarters of an inch of rain fell during a period from 2 a.m.

until late morning and loud thunder-crashes shook many homes.

Forecasters at the United States Naval Oceanographic Command Facility said yesterday evening the storm was 500 miles north of Bermuda and was moving further away at speeds of around 33 knots.

A spokesman said: "It is really motoring away from the Island. It is up and gone.'' Weather conditions were expected to improve over the weekend with a chance of some showers.