Tropical Storm Erin has built into a hurricane but does not yet present a direct hazard to the island, the Bermuda Weather Service reported.

The Ministry of National Security advised that the storm was upgraded as of noon today.

At 6pm the storm, which could grow to Category 4 strength by the end of the weekend, was positioned just over 1,000 miles to Bermuda’s south-southeast, moving west-northwest at 17 miles per hour.

It was forecast to reach 572 miles to the island’s south-southwest as of 6pm on Monday.

The ministry added: “Erin had maximum sustained winds of 75 miles per hour with gusts to 92 miles per hour.

“The BWS has confirmed that Erin is not considered a threat to Bermuda at this time. The ministry will continue to monitor updates from the BWS as the system progresses.

“The EMO, which co-ordinates Bermuda’s responses to national emergencies and disasters, will meet at midday on Monday to review the latest developments and to assess government readiness should any impacts to Bermuda be expected.”

Residents were reminded to follow official forecasts from the BWS at weather.bm and to use this weekend to review household preparedness plans.

The government portal provides guidelines on hurricane preparedness, including a list of recommended supplies.

The ministry will issue further updates after the EMO meeting on Monday.