Hurricane Larry is expected to pass about 186 miles east northeast of Bermuda on Thursday afternoon, according to the Bermuda Weather Service.

The BWS said conditions are expected to deteriorate tomorrow night as the Category 3 storm approaches.

The BWS forecast said the closest point of approach within 72 hours puts puts Larry’s centre approximately 186 miles to our east northeast at 2pm on Thursday.

A BWS forecast yesterday said: “The model guidance continues to convey high confidence in Larry’s expected movement.

“While the centre of Larry may remain offshore to the distant east, Larry brings hazardous to dangerous seas and surf.”

The BWS said seas near the centre of the storm could reach 40 to 50ft, but waters closer to Bermuda are expected to see 20 to 30ft waves.

The forecast said: “While Larry’s approach is expected to keep the most intense winds offshore and on the eastern side of the system, its tropical storm force winds extend well outside the centre.

“Wind data continues to push towards 23 to 40mph winds with 46 to 52mph gusts. A Tropical Storm Warning is likely to be in effect.

“After Larry moves away from its CPA, expect the system to traverse off to the north allow seas to gradually fall and allowing winds to ease moderate out of the west-southwest.”

Larry was this morning a Category 3 hurricane but could drop to a Category 2 as it passes the island.

As of 6am today, Hurricane Larry was 832 miles southeast of Bermuda and moving northwest at 10mph.

The US-based National Hurricane Centre said the storm boasted sustained winds of 120mph with gusts to 150mph.

The NHC afternoon update said: “Larry is a large hurricane. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 70 miles from the centre, and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 185 miles.”