Residents were urged to prepare for a potential hurricane as the season showed heightened activity across the Atlantic.

The Ministry of National Security said that the Emergency Measures Organisation was closely watching the movement of Tropical Storm Erin.

Forecasts by the Bermuda Weather Service at 6pm showed Erin becoming a major Category 3 hurricane by the end of the weekend, with its westward track towards the Caribbean turning northwest.

The storm was not considered a threat to the island.

However, the national security ministry said that the system could move closer to Bermuda.

Michael Weeks, the Minister of National Security, said: “While the current forecast does not indicate a threat to Bermuda, this is a good opportunity for residents to ensure they are prepared should the need arise.

“The EMO will continue to monitor Tropical Storm Erin closely and provide updates to the public as necessary.

“Preparation is a year-round responsibility during hurricane season and includes ensuring your home is secure, maintaining readily accessible essential supplies and having a battery-powered radio available.

“In the event of an emergency, the 100.1FM Emergency Broadcast Station will be activated on the order of the EMO chairman.”

Mr Weeks reminded that public that the BWS was the island’s official source of weather information and that the EMO based its decisions on the service’s updates.

He advised residents to check their household preparedness plans, restock hurricane kits and review preparedness guidance available on the government website.

Hurricane kits should have non-perishable food, water, essential medicines, flashlights, spare batteries and a battery-powered radio.

Belco said it was also monitoring Tropical Storm Erin storm closely.

The energy company’s hurricane plan has been enacted to co-ordinate preparations ahead of any potential impacts.

As part of the process, critical spares are strategically placed in the western and eastern ends of the island, and crew assignments are developed to ensure rapid response.

Wayne Caines, the utility provider’s president, said: “Belco is monitoring the development of Tropical Storm Erin carefully and taking the appropriate action to be prepared should the storm impact Bermuda.

“I urge residents to prepare now and to also support each other however we can in preparation.

“I encourage all residents and businesses in Bermuda to review their own hurricane safety plans as well as tips and advice on the Belco website and social media channels to keep their family and property safe should we be impacted by this storm next week.”

If Bermuda is impacted by Erin and experiences power outages, restoration crews will start work as soon as it is declared safe to do so and will continue to work until every customer has had power restored, Belco said.

The public can get storm preparedness advice, safety tips and updates on any storm-related outages on Belco’s website www.belco.bm and social media pages.

The time for arranging a scheduled power outage with Belco for tree trimming prior to Erin’s forecast arrival has passed but customers were reminded that the most important action they can take to prepare is to ensure that trees on their property are clear of power lines.

Ensuring that vegetation on private property remains 10 feet away from power lines is the sole responsibility of property owners.

Property owners can call 295-5111 or e-mail treetrimming@belco.bm three weeks in advance to schedule a power shutdown in order to trim safely.

Residents can find weather updates on the BWS website and Facebook page, title ‘Bermuda Weather Service’.