The first tropical storm of the season is no threat to Bermuda at present said forecasters last night, although the Island will experience related rain and cloud this week.

Tropical Storm Alberto is the first of what is predicted to be a busier-than average season in the Atlantic. It has already hit Cuba ? dumping up to 50 cm of rain and was last night moving towards Florida where a hurricane warning has been issued.

The closest that the storm is likely to come to Bermuda is 445 nautical miles to the northwest at around 6 p.m. on Thursday, according to the Bermuda Weather Service.

Meteorologist James Morrison said a rain band associated with Alberto is likely to affect the Island on Thursday and Friday.

Those competing in the Newport-Bermuda race are keeping a close eye on the storm ? as reported in the Sport section on Page 23 in today?s .

However Captain John Moore of Meyer Shipping said yesterday that he did not expect cruises to Bermuda from the United States to be affected by the weather system.

Minister of Labour Home Affairs and Public Safety Randy Horton issued a warning to residents earlier this month to make sure they take sensible precautions now that hurricane season ? which runs from June 1 to November 30 ? has begun.