The track of Tropical Storm Gabrielle showed that the system was likely to pass the island later than had been expected tomorrow but forecasters predicted even less impact.

In its 6am update, the Bermuda Weather Service said that a mostly dry and sunny day was expected.

It added: “With the slightly slower and much farther approach of Gabrielle, it is looking more likely that we do not see any outer band activity, though within the squeeze created areas of convergence may spring a few showers particularly towards dawn with the low chance of thunder as per instability indices.”

The update showed that Gabrielle was about 455 miles southeast of Bermuda, travelling north-northwest at 9mph.

Winds were about 63mph with gusts up to 75mph.

Gabrielle’s closest point of approach to the island was expected to be 213 miles to the east-southeast at 3pm tomorrow.

The BWS said: “Long-period southeasterly swells and dangerous rip currents continue to affect our southern shores from today, with seas building to about 9 to 10ft towards midnight.”

Gabrielle — still deemed a potential threat to the island — is expected to building into a hurricane this afternoon and become a Category 2 by Tuesday morning.

The BWS said: “A small craft warning is in effect for Monday morning through Monday night, mainly for rough seas.

“A thunderstorm advisory may be needed for periods on Monday though looks unlikely at this time.”

The Ministry of National Security said earlier that the Emergency Measures Organisation was monitoring the movements of Gabrielle.

Public ferry services were not expected to be disrupted, according to the ministry, but the Department of Marine and Ports staff were monitoring the situation.

Belco said last week that the electric company’s crisis management team had reviewed preparations in the event of a hit and was monitoring Gabrielle closely.

• Residents were encouraged remain informed by visiting www.weather.bmfor the latest official forecasts