Rough seas and swells were expected to to be the only potential impact from Hurricane Gabrielle when it passes well to the island’s east today, the Bermuda Weather Service said.

In an update this morning, the BWS continued to list the system as a potential threat to Bermuda.

At 6am, Hurricane Gabrielle was about 210 miles southeast of the island, travelling north-northwest at 10mph.

Its closest point of approach within the next 72 hours was forecast to be 170 miles to the east-southeast at 3pm today.

At 6am, maximum winds were over 90mph with gusts up to 115mph. Gabrielle was expected to strengthen to Category 2 hurricane level by this afternoon.

The BWS said: “Hurricane Gabrielle continues its northerly nearby approach into the area, though passing well east of Bermuda through much of today with the only effects the island may see are rough seas and southeasterly swells.

“Gabrielle sent a fast-moving rain band over Bermuda early this morning that brought vicinity showers.

“Today, conditions are likely to be generally fine and sunny interspersed with a few cloudy periods and showers as the possibility exists for rain bands to be driven across the area.”

It added that a small craft warning was in effect today.

The US-based National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said yesterday: “Data from the NOAA hurricane hunters indicate that maximum sustained winds have increased to near 75mph with higher gusts, making Gabrielle a hurricane.

“Additional steady to rapid intensification is forecast over the next day or so, and Gabrielle could become a major hurricane in the early part of this week.

“Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 25 miles from the centre and tropical storm-force winds extend outward up to 175 miles.”