A tropical storm watch came into force yesterday as Hurricane Larry churned towards Bermuda.

The storm is expected to pass 173 miles east northeast of the island about 3pm tomorrow – but storm conditions could still cause problems.

The Bermuda Weather Service warned that conditions were expected to deteriorate tonight and tomorrow morning, with strengthening winds and rain.

The BWS said hazardous swells were expected, particularly along the South Shore, with dangerous surf and rip currents.

Hurricane Larry was still a Category 3 hurricane yesterday afternoon, but it is predicted to have lessened to Category 2 by this morning.

Hurricane Larry was 603 miles southeast of Bermuda and moving northwest at about 10mph at 6am.

The US-based National Hurricane Centre said in its afternoon update the storm packed maximum sustained winds remain near 115mph with higher gusts.

The NHC said: “Larry is a large hurricane. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 70 miles from the centre and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 185 miles."

The NHC also predicted that tropical storm conditions could reach the island by late today or early tomorrow, with swells battering the coastline until the end of the week.

Renee Ming, the Minister of National Security, said the Emergency Measures Organisation had met twice to discuss the storm.

Ms Ming added the hurricane was forecast to pass “well to our east” and no interruption of government services was expected.

But she added: “However, from a storm preparation stand point, we should not become complacent.

“We are advising residents to prepare for possible tropical storm force winds on Thursday and expect increasing swells along the south shore.

“To be clear, our public safety message is that there will be dangerous conditions for swimming along south shore beaches. So we are urging the public to use caution and common sense.”

Ms Ming said the EMO would meet again tomorrow morning and appealed to the public to make sure they were prepared.