The Emergency Measures Organisation met this weekend regarding Hurricane Erin as the Category 2 storm continues its path north.

The group decided that Bermuda will remain open for business and that the Government emergency shelter will not be opened.

A Tropical Storm Watch was put in effect today that may change to a Tropical Storm Warning as the day progressed.

The Bermuda Weather Service said in its 6pm update that the storm’s nearest point was expected to be 374 miles to the island’s northwest at 9pm on Thursday.

It added in its short-term forecast: “It would likely be downgraded to a small craft warning by Friday afternoon, if not earlier.”

Jaché Adams, the Acting Minister of National Security, welcomed the news that Erin was expected to pass to the northwest of the island — but stressed that “residents must not let their guard down”.

He added: “The Bermuda Weather Service has advised that two other systems are being monitored and it is vital that the public continue to follow the official forecasts and maintain their hurricane preparedness.”

The forecast said: “ … expect the very distant passage of Erin on Thursday night into Friday as winds may briefly increase to tropical storm force Thursday evening into Friday morning.

“Models do hint at a well-defined outer band moving through the area late Thursday night into Friday morning and this may bring squally weather for a brief time and winds stronger than currently forecast, especially over elevated and exposed areas.

“However, just as likely, we may just see strong winds and tropical storm force gusts over both days.

“Conditions should rapidly improve from Friday afternoon.

“Seas build very rough to high over the period peaking near 21 to 22ft.

“Building southwesterly to northerly swells along with dangerous surf and rip currents remain in the forecast.”

At 6pm today, Hurricane Erin was almost 523 miles west of Bermuda travelling north at about 14mph.

The system had maximum winds of 109mph with gusts to 132mph.

Key messages from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration included notice that Erin was expected to produce life-threatening surf and rip currents along the beaches of the Bahamas, much of the US East Coast, Bermuda and Atlantic Canada during the next several days.

The advisory added: “Beachgoers in those areas should follow advice from lifeguards, local authorities and beach warning flags.”

The Ministry of National Security said that lifeguards were suspended on August 19 over hazardous conditions and remain on duty at Clearwater Beach and Turtle Beach where conditions were calmer.

Mr Adams said on Monday that red flag warnings were expected on South Shore beaches in the coming days, “which means absolutely no one should be in the water”.

He added today: “Absolutely no one should be swimming under high surf conditions and it would be reckless to ignore this advice.

“Lives are placed at risk when individuals choose to disregard these warnings.

“Conditions will improve in the coming days and we will resume lifeguard services at Horseshoe Bay and John Smith’s Bay as soon as it is safe to do so.”