Bermudians can breathe a sigh of relief that the worst of Tropical Storm Phillipe is over ? but the Weather Service says there may be more bad weather still to come.

The storm, which was originally expected to pass 228 nautical miles to the east of the Island, veered off unexpectedly and travelled much closer, to the south of Bermuda instead.

However, by 6 p.m. yesterday, the closest point of approach had passed. Speaking at that time, Meteorologist Declan O? Connell told : ?This morning when I came in it was much more ragged and hard to pick out the eye of the storm.

?The closest point of approach to Bermuda was at 12 noon when it was 140 miles off the Island to the East South-East. Then it started moving West South-West.

?It is continuing on that course, but it is at a very low level now.?

He explained that this change of course came about due to an area of low pressure two to three hundred miles south of Bermuda which pushed Phillipe onto a new circulation.

?It was a big change of direction, which just shows how important it is to watch the forecast,? said Mr. O?Connell. While there was no storm surge associated with Philippe, the water was rough.

Harbour Radio reported the highest gust to be 41 knots at around noon yesterday, the Bermuda Weather Centre on the east end of the Island recorded 35 knots and there was an unofficial report from Dockyard of 42.

As went to press, the short-term forecast was that there would be continued breezy weather into the weekend with the threat gusts and thunder storms last night.

There could also be more problems to come. ?We are now going to watch this area of low pressure to the south.? said Mr. O?Connell. ?There?s certainly plenty going on this Tropical Season.?