Tropical Storm Henri continued to move away from the island this afternoon and weather conditions are expected to improve.

The Bermuda Weather Service said at noon that Henri was 166 nautical miles to the south-southwest of the island, with sustained winds of 55 knots gusting to 65 knots.

Tropical storm force winds extended up to 70 miles from its centre.

Henri was moving in a west-southwesterly direction at four knots and is expected to move in this general direction until Thursday night when it is predicted to begin a wide northeasterly turn. Henri is considered to have already passed its closest point within the next 72 hours but remains a potential threat to Bermuda.

Forecasters predicted that Henri could develop into a hurricane by the end of the week, but it is not expected to be near land by then.

The BWS forecast said: “Today, mainly bright and dry conditions prevail while a few trailing showers make their exit. Towards the weekend, convergent flow and lingering moisture bring a few showers to the area before high pressure builds back in.”