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 6am update, the Bermuda Weather Service said that Gabrielle was about 690 miles to the island’s southeast, moving northwest at about 13mph.

The system’s maximum winds were about 52mph with gusts up to 63mph.

Gabrielle was forecast to become a hurricane by tomorrow afternoon and its closest point of approach to Bermuda in the next three days was predicted to be almost 200 miles to the east-southeast at 9am on Monday.

The BWS said that blustery showers could be expected from late on Sunday evening into Monday morning.

It added: “Although the latest National Hurricane Centre forecast and majority of the global models suggest Gabrielle passing well to our east early on Monday, the UK models continue to hint at it passing a tad closer but still very distant.

“Therefore, a blended forecast approach has been maintained with preference given to the NHC and rest of the global models solutions, as seen in the latest marine charts.

“Monday may be sunnier than forecast as a result.

“Moderate easterly winds back northerly and increase, possibly reaching [23mph to 29mph] as then Category 2 Hurricane Gabrielle makes its nearest approach.

“Tropical storm-force winds are not expected during this time; however, there is the less than 10 per cent chance that we may see TS-force winds as per the latest NHC advisory, though it is continuing to look unlikely.”

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 earlier 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