Hurricane Katia remains a potential threat to the Island, but Bermuda is expected to miss a direct hit as the storm curves around the Island.According to the 4.30pm forecast from the Bermuda Weather Service, Hurricane Katia remains a potential threat with its closest point of approach around 250nm to the west early tomorrow morning.The Service says Bermuda can expect occasional showers and the risk of thunder with strong winds and gusts to gale force through Thursday."Winds and showers ease by Friday as Katia moves away east to our distant north. Dangerous swells and rip currents will continue to affect South Shore into Thursday," it adds.At 6am today, Katia was 269 nautical miles south-southwest of the Island with winds of 80kts gusting to 100 kts. It is moving northwest at nine kts.While the Island is expected to escape hurricane force winds, the weather service yesterday issued a tropical storm warning, with showers and gale force winds taking place today and tomorrow.The Department of Parks advised the public to be careful on South Shore as waves grow and rip tides strengthen.Red flags were yesterday placed at Horseshoe Bay signalling that no one should enter the water, and the public has been advised to stay away from the water throughout South Shore.“Southeast swells are impacting South Shore beaches and there is still some potential that we will see tropical storm force winds of at least 34 knots,” a Department spokesman said.“This is likely for the western marine area as Katia begins to recurve. However the probability for 50 knot winds is less than one percent, as of the last advisory.“In the event sustained wind speeds exceed 50 knots, the Ministry of Public Works will consider closure of the causeway in the interest of public safety.“The public will be kept abreast throughout.”The weather has also caused the St George's Ferry to be cancelled, along with several scheduled cruise ship visits.For updated information, visit our Storm Watch page.