A Tropical Storm Warning could be put into effect later today as Hurricane Erin continues to pass by Bermuda, the Bermuda Weather Service has said.

While a Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the island this afternoon, the BWS said the watch could be upgraded if tropical storm force winds are forecast to reach the island.

As of 3pm, Hurricane Erin was about 398 miles west-northwest of Bermuda and travelling north-northeast at about 18mph.

The storm was expected to pass about 388 miles to the island’s northwest today as a large Category 2 hurricane, with its closest point of approach expected to be at about 6pm.

In its 11.30am forecast, the BWS said: “The main impact of Erin on Bermuda, aside from the slow increase in winds, is the roar of the waves as dangerous swell and sea states batter South Shore.”

The forecast warned of gusty showers developing tonight with strong south-southwesterly gusts potentially reaching storm force in squally showers and elevated or exposed areas.

However, conditions are expected to improve tomorrow as the storm continues to drift further from the island.

The US-based National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said Hurricane Erin is expected to continue to pass between Bermuda and the US East Coast before passing south of Atlantic Canada tomorrow and Saturday.

“Maximum sustained winds are near 100mph with higher gusts,” the NOAA forecast said. “Gradual weakening is forecast during the next couple of days. Erin is expected to become post-tropical on Saturday.

“Erin is a very large hurricane. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 105 miles from the centre and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 320 miles.”