A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect in Bermuda as Hurricane Erin continues its path north.

The Bermuda Weather Service said in its 3pm update that the storm’s nearest point was expected to be 390 miles to the island’s north-northwest at 12am on Friday.

Its short-term forecast stated that a Tropical Storm Watch in effect may change to a Tropical Storm Warning as the day progresses.

It added: “It would likely be downgraded to a small craft warning by Friday afternoon, if not earlier.”

The forecast said: “ … expect the very distant passage of Erin on Thursday night into Friday as winds may briefly increase to tropical storm force Thursday evening into Friday morning.

“Models do hint at a well-defined outer band moving through the area late Thursday night into Friday morning and this may bring squally weather for a brief time and winds stronger than currently forecast, especially over elevated and exposed areas.

“However, just as likely, we may just see strong winds and tropical storm force gusts over both days.

“Conditions should rapidly improve from Friday afternoon.

“Seas build very rough to high over the period peaking near 21 to 22ft.

“Building southwesterly to northerly swells along with dangerous surf and rip currents remain in the forecast.”

At 3pm today, Hurricane Erin was almost 532 miles west-southwest of Bermuda travelling north at about 13 mph.

The system had maximum winds of 109mph with gusts to 132mph.

Key messages from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration included notice that Erin was expected to produce life-threatening surf and rip currents along the beaches of the Bahamas, much of the US East Coast, Bermuda and Atlantic Canada during the next several days.

The advisory added: “Beachgoers in those areas should follow advice from lifeguards, local authorities and beach warning flags.”

Jaché Adams, the Acting Minister of National Security, said on Monday that red flag warnings were expected on South Shore beaches in the coming days, “which means absolutely no one should be in the water”.