the Island, Tropical Storm Emily appeared to have set her sights on the Island.

The Bermuda Weather Service last night forecast Cindy's closest point of approach as being at 4 p.m. today at a distance of 287 nautical miles.

But its forecasted course takes it in a north, then a north-westerly curve, meaning that, by Monday afternoon, the hurricane is expected to be heading back out into the North Atlantic.

This means that, over the next few days, the Island is likely to experience some unsettled conditions and an increasing swell.

But forecasters say Tropical Storm Emily could replace her in threatening the Island.

In last night's update, Emily was forecast to come within 204 nautical miles of Bermuda by Monday afternoon -- the maximum period forecast by the Weather Office.

And meteorologist Mark Guishard said: "At the time of the update, Emily's course makes it likely that she will pass over or very near the Island early next week.'' However, Mr. Guishard explained that, while Hurricane Cindy is a Category Two storm, Emily is a tropical storm with current maximum sustained winds of about 45 knots.

She's back: Tropical Storm Emily may threaten Island He said: "Tropical Storm Emily has a potential for increasing but only at a very gradual rate. By Monday afternoon she is forecast to still be a tropical storm.'' With this in mind, Mr. Guishard said it was unlikely Emily would develop into a hurricane by the time she reaches Bermuda.

He said: "In relation to the others, Emily is a small system.'' However, the meteorologist made it clear that forecasts were only so accurate and that storms of this nature are unpredictable to say the least.

In September 1987, Hurricane Emily formed close to Bermuda and smashed through the Island, causing millions of dollars in damage.

In the meantime, Hurricane Dennis is lashing at the Bahamas with maximum sustained winds of 80 knots and gusts to 95 knots.

At its current status Dennis has been classified as a Category One storm.

However, Mr. Guishard said: "Dennis has been forecast to intensify over the next few days. By the time it reaches the coast of the US we expect it to have increased to a Category Three.'' He added: "Most of the damage caused by hurricanes are caused by flooding, as in the case of Hurricane Mitch last year.'' "Hurricane Dennis has the potential to cause considerable damage,'' he said.

Graphic by Hope Robbins Stormy ocean: Forecasters predict that Hurrricane Cindy will veer away from the Island, but Tropical Storm Emily is expected to head north over the next 72 hours and could be close to the Island by early next week.