The island’s electricity provider is “closely monitoring” Tropical Storm Gabrielle’s development in the event the storm — predicted to attain hurricane strength at the beginning of next week — knocks out power on the island.

At noon, the Bermuda Weather Service upgraded its forecast to rank Gabrielle a potential threat. The system was 1,160 miles southeast of the island.

Forecast models show Gabrielle moving west-northwest at 15mph, curving progressively north on a likely course to make a near pass to the island’s east at roughly midday on Monday before hooking northeast into the Atlantic.

However, Belco warned that the system’s forecast track had changed several times over the past 48 hours, adding that the company’s crisis management team had reviewed preparations in the event of a hit.

A spokesman said: “Through this process, critical spares are strategically placed in the western and eastern ends of the island and crew assignments are developed to ensure rapid response.

“Should Bermuda be impacted by Gabrielle, and it results in 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.”

Storm-related outages will be reported on Belco’s website and social media pages.

The utility, which regularly advises residents to keep trees on their property clear of power lines by at least 10ft, added that the deadline had passed for arranging a scheduled power outage for tree trimming ahead of a potential storm impact next week.

Property owners were reminded to call 295-5111 or e-mail treetrimming@belco.bm three weeks in advance to schedule a power shutdown to safely cut back vegetation.

Wayne Caines, the president of Belco, said: “We have had several threats from storms this season but thankfully we have been spared direct impacts.

“I urge residents to not let their guard down and prepare now for potential storm conditions.

“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.”