A tropical depression expected to strengthen into a tropical storm by 9 a.m. today was closing on Bermuda from a distance of 700 miles last night.

The Bermuda Weather Service has classified it as a potential threat as the weather system?s predicted trajectory will take it within 348 miles of Bermuda on Friday.

The system, identified as Tropical Depression Nine, was reported to have sustained winds of 35 miles per hour with gusts of more than 40 mph as it moved north-westerly towards the Island at 14 mph.

It is expected to move closest to the Island late tomorrow morning when it should be 348 miles to the east of with sustained winds of 58 mph.