Bermudians began preparations Saturday for the passage of Tropical Storm Erin, which is expected to pass the Island some 55 miles to the East-northeast of the Island around 4 a.m. on Monday.

At noon Saturday, Erin was 390 miles southeast of Bermuda, moving northwest at eight knots. The storm's maximum sustained winds were found to be 45 knots with gusts to 55 knots.

The Bermuda Weather Service (www.weather.bm) reported tropical storm force winds are likely to affect the Island and the marine area within the next 36 hours. It also advised that hurricane force winds are possible as Erin passes close to the Island Monday morning.

BWS also reported a more organised storm than on Friday, with clear 'banding' features, with deep convection near the centre and a fair outflow.

A US Air Force "Hurricane Hunter" reconnaissance aircraft is expected to check the storm's intensity within the next few hours.

Weather forecasters are also reporting that a 'moderate to strong' ridge is building to the north of Bermuda which will keep Erin on a slow northwest track. If the ridge gains in strength, the storm could move more to the left, bringing its closest point of approach even nearer to the Island.

A BWS forecaster added: "Erin is expected to pass close enough to Bermuda to issue a Hurricane Watch at this time."