Bermuda Weather Service last night urged residents to take the usual precautions after predicting a tropical storm could brush past the Island early on Thursday morning.

The tropical depression was last night 200 miles from the Carolinas on the US East Coas, and forecasters predicted it would sweep past the Island at about 6 a.m. on Thursday, provided it continued on the same course and at the same speed.

Meteorologist Kimberley Zuill-Stevenson said it was believed the tropical depression would be upgraded to tropical storm Cristobel sometime today as it made its way northeast across the Atlantic.

She said on its current path, it is likely to be 180 nautical miles to the north west of Bermuda when it reaches its closest point on Thursday.

However, she said the Island could start to feel the effects of the storm on Wednesday evening. “According to the forecast right now, it's closest point is early on Thursday, but it could change. Anything is possible with a tropical system.

“It's not just the tropical system we are looking at, we are also looking at how it will react to the cold front in the north.

“As always, we would say be prepared for the worst during hurricane season. We have not issued any watches or warnings as of yet. A tropical storm watch could come Tuesday.”

Residents should make sure they have water and light supplies in their homes, in case of a power failure, and said windows and doors should be secured, pets brought indoors, along with any garden belongings that could cause damage or be damaged.