Bermuda seemed to dodge a bullet today when a hurricane watch for Hurricane Nate was lifted.

The category one storm, packing winds of 75 knots gusting to 90 knots, was expected to come no closer to the Island than 109 nautical miles at 1 p.m. today.

At 6 a.m., the storm was located 132 nautical miles south of Bermuda.

However, the the Bermuda Weather Service said the Island could still experience tropical storm force winds, high seas and heavy rain.

Rush hour traffic was slowed coming into Hamilton, but all Government offices were due to open and schools were supposed to start their first day of the school year.

The Emergency Measures Organisation ? made up of Government, utilities and private agencies ? met at the "war-room" at Police Headquarters, Prospect at 2.30 p.m. yesterday.

It said it was preparing emergency services to be ready by 6 a.m. today in the event Nate veered closer overnight.

As he was leaving the EMO meeting, Works and Engineering Minister Ashfield Devent was asked by whether the Causeway would hold in light of its collapse in September, 2003 after being battered by Hurricane Fabian.

But Mr. DeVent said there was a big difference between Category Four Hurricane Fabian and Category One Hurricane Nate.

Contingency plans for the Causeway were in place, he said, although he did not say what these were.

And when questioned if ferries would transport people from St. George's if need be, he said that was a matter for the Ministry of Transport.

At EMO headquarters, Police Commissioner Jonathan Smith said Bermuda Police Reserves would be at both ends of the Causeway at 8 a.m.

"We are not really anticipating any critical issues with respect to the Causeway but we are going to have staff there as a precaution," Commissioner Smith said. "But there is always a level of unpredictability with hurricanes."

Acting Minister of Home Affairs and Public Safety Terry Lister said winds of 23 mph were expected by 7 a.m. gradually strengthening to about 40 mph by 5 p.m.

"Currently the storm will pass to the south of the Island," Minister Lister said. "Public schools will be open tomorrow however, parents are advised to listen to the morning radio for a final update. Additionally, all Government services will operate as normal and all public transportation services will also be on schedule.

"The EMO will be conducting a further status review of the hurricane at 6 a.m. and an assessment of the services will be communicated via the broadcast media to the public. All emergency service personnel, including teams from the Bermuda Regiment, Bermuda Fire Service, Bermuda Police Service and Works and Engineering crews, are fully prepared should the hurricane gain strength overnight.

"Also the Fire Services as well as Works and Engineering have ensured we have a sufficient number of tarpaulin available should we have a major catastrophe."

Mr. Lister encouraged the public to stay tuned to the radio after 7 a.m. today for further updates.

He conceded that the path of the hurricane could change in the next 24 hours, however, the Weather Service's tracking system indicated the storm's weakest side would be closest to Bermuda. Heavy rains were not expected until late in the afternoon, he said.

"We should always take these situations seriously," he added. "We want people to go out and ensure they are properly protecting their life and limb, so to speak, and their property."

Age Concern Executive director Claudette Fleming reminded patients to stock up on necessary medications, but especially insulin, before the hurricane hit.

The Bermuda International Airport will be open today, however a USA 3000 flight from Philadelphia was cancelled last night. British Airways will arrive tonight but was expected to be delayed a few hours leaving London. Air Canada cancelled its flight from Toronto this morning.

CableVision is closing its offices for the hurricane but may reopen.