Tropical Storm Gabrielle — expected to develop into a hurricane by tomorrow morning — could be even farther to east of Bermuda when it passes, an update advised this evening.

Residents can expect a few showers but tropical storm force winds were not forecast for the island, the Bermuda Weather Service said.

A 6pm update showed that the system was then about 580 miles southeast of the island, moving northwest at about 10mph.

Winds were blowing at about 63mph with gusts up to about 75mph.

Gabrielle’s closest point of approach to Bermuda within the next 72 hours was forecast to be almost 240 miles to the east-southeast at 10am on Monday.

The BWS said: “Today’s National Hurricane Centre tracks have shifted even farther away to the east, good news for us.”

It added that tropical storm force winds were not expected for Bermuda as Gabrielle passes “well to our east”.

The system — still deemed a potential threat to the island — is expected to strengthen to a Category 2 hurricane by Monday morning.

In a public forecast, the BWS said: “Settled weather persists for most of the weekend with just a rogue shower around.

“While easterly winds strengthen on Sunday into Monday, the stronger winds associated with Gabrielle will be skewed even farther east, leaving the main local hazard as building southeasterly swells, especially along South Shore, with possible rip currents.

“The outer bands of Gabrielle may sweep over us providing a few showers later Sunday through Monday as it passes to our distant east.”

The Ministry of National Security said yesterday that the Emergency Measures Organisation was monitoring the movements of Gabrielle.

Public ferry services were not expected to be disrupted, according to the ministry, but the Department of Marine and Ports staff were monitoring the situation.

Belco said earlier this week that the electric company’s crisis management team had reviewed preparations in the event of a hit and was monitoring Gabrielle closely.

• Residents were encouraged remain informed by visiting www.weather.bmfor the latest official forecasts