The Emergency Measures Organisation met yesterday to discuss Hurricane Erin as the Category 2 storm continued its path north.

The group decided that Bermuda would remain open for business and that the government emergency shelter would not be opened.

A Tropical Storm Watch was put in effect yesterday, which may change to a Tropical Storm Warning.

The Bermuda Weather Service said in its 9am update that the storm’s nearest point was expected to be 375 miles to the island’s northwest at 9pm today.

It added in its short-term forecast: “It would likely be downgraded to a small-craft warning by Friday afternoon, if not earlier.”

Jaché Adams, the Acting Minister of National Security, welcomed the news that Erin was expected to pass to the northwest of the island — but emphasised that “residents must not let their guard down”.

He added: “The Bermuda Weather Service has advised that two other systems are being monitored and it is vital that the public continue to follow the official forecasts and maintain their hurricane preparedness.”

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 9am today, Hurricane Erin was about 438 miles west-northwest of Bermuda travelling north-northeast at about 17mph.

The system had maximum winds of about 104mph with gusts to about 127mph.

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.”

The Ministry of National Security said that lifeguards were suspended on August 19 over hazardous conditions and remained on duty at Clearwater Beach and Turtle Beach, where conditions were calmer.

Mr Adams 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”.

He added yesterday: “Absolutely no one should be swimming under high surf conditions and it would be reckless to ignore this advice.

“Lives are placed at risk when individuals choose to disregard these warnings.

“Conditions will improve in the coming days and we will resume lifeguard services at Horseshoe Bay and John Smith’s Bay as soon as it is safe to do so.”