Residents were urged to monitor Tropical Storm Gabrielle’s movement across the Atlantic even as the storm was predicted to pass to the distant east of the island early next week.

The Ministry of National Security said that the Emergency Measures Organisation was closely watching the storm’s movement.

Michael Weeks, the Minister of National Security, said: “Based on current projections, Gabrielle will miss Bermuda entirely.

“There will be no closures of any kind over the weekend or on Monday.

“While this is good news, I urge residents to continue monitoring the official updates from the Bermuda Weather Service.

“Storms can change track and strength without warning and it is always wise to remain alert.”

He added: “The EMO will continue to monitor Gabrielle closely and provide updates if anything changes.

“For now, Bermuda remains open for business as usual.”

In a midday update, the Bermuda Weather Service said that, based on an advisory from the National Hurricane Centre, the centre of the storm was expected to pass about 230 miles east of the island on Monday.

The BWS said that Gabrielle was about 912 miles southeast of Bermuda, with maximum winds of a little more than 51mph and gusts topping 63mph.

The weather system’s closest point to Bermuda within the next 72 hours was forecast to be at 8am on Monday.

In an 11am update, the NHC said that Gabrielle is forecast to become a hurricane by Sunday and pass east of Bermuda later that night into Monday.

It said swells generated by the storm were expected to reach Bermuda tonight and build through the weekend.

“These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions,” it added.

The ministry warned that the seas were expected to rise over the weekend, reaching seven to 12ft, particularly along the South Shore on Monday.

Swimmers were advised to heed warnings from the BWS along with any signs or instructions from lifeguards.

The public ferry services are not expected to be disrupted.

The ministry said marine and ports staff would monitor sea conditions throughout the weekend and advise the public if any changes to ferry schedules are required.

Belco, the island’s electricity provider, said yesterday that it was “closely monitoring” the storm’s development in case it knocked out power.

As it monitored Gabrielle’s progress, the company said that its crisis management team had reviewed preparations in the event of a hit.

• Residents were encouraged remain informed by visitingwww.weather.bm for the latest official forecasts