expected to batter the Island.

The storm was 970 miles south east of Bermuda at 6 p.m., just as Hurricane Bonnie was blitzing the US East Coast.

Bermuda Weather Service forecasters said Danielle was heading west north west but was not expected to come within 400 miles of Bermuda and was "not considered a threat''.

But expert James Buxton said: "That could change at any time. That's why we're watching events so closely, to see if the hurricane changes course.'' Bonnie caused 12-foot waves on Bermuda's south shore, but the Island escaped any other effects from the hurricane, which passed 600 miles to the west.

Danielle is expected to follow a similar path.

US Air reported they had given pilots new flight paths out of Bermuda en route to Charlotte, Philadelphia, Baltimore and New York yesterday. But none of the planes were delayed.

More on Bonnie see Page 8