The Bermuda Weather Service is keeping a close eye on Tropical Storm Karl, with the system now considered a “potential threat” to Bermuda.

Responding to yesterday’s 6pm advisory, Senator Jeffrey Baron, the Minister of National Security, advised that a meeting of the Emergency Measures Organisation will likely be convened this week.

As of this morning, the storm was located about 970 nautical miles southeast of Bermuda and moving west-northwest at about 17mph. The closest point of approach to the island within 72 hours is forecast to be 272nm to the south-southeast at 6am on Friday.

However the storm is expected strengthen and to come closer to the island over the weekend as it turns northeast, potentially passing to the island’s southeast as a Category 2 Hurricane.

Mr Baron stated that the Ministry of National Security is “closely monitoring the forecast track of the storm”.

“Although this storm is some distance away from Bermuda, we are paying close attention to its development.

“A meeting of the EMO is likely to be convened this week to confirm our preparations are in order and to ensure we communicate that to the people of Bermuda.

“In the meantime, residents should check their hurricane supplies and keep an eye on the forecast through www.weather.bm and alerts from the Bermuda Weather Service.”

According to the US-based National Hurricane Centre, the storm boasted maximum sustained winds of 40mph this morning, with some strengthening forecast during the next 48 hours.

That service has estimated Bermuda has a 60 to 70 per cent chance of experiencing tropical storm force winds in the next five days and a 10 to 20 per cent chance of experiencing hurricane force winds during the same period.

Meanwhile, Tropical Depression 13 has formed in the Atlantic, and its closest point of approach to Bermuda within 72 hours is forecast to be 1,551nm to the east-southeast at 6am on Friday.

The system is “not a threat at this time”, according to the BWS.