Hurricane Gabrielle continued to strengthen this afternoon as it reached Category 4 status as it moved away from the island, the Bermuda Weather Service said.

The BWS said that the storm’s closest point of approach had passed this morning, but it is still expected to send “hazardous swells” to Bermuda’s shores.

As of 6pm, the storm was about 180 miles east-southeast of the island and moving north-northeast at 12mph.

The BWS said this afternoon: “Major hurricane Gabrielle will continue to send hazardous swells to our shores with likely rip currents as it passes to the distant east this evening.

“Sometimes breezy winds and the odd shower are possible before conditions improve tonight as Gabrielle accelerates away to the northeast. High pressure develops thereafter, bringing largely fine weather and mostly light winds.”

The US-based National Hurricane Centre said in its 6pm update: “National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Hurricane Hunter aircraft and satellite data indicate that the maximum sustained winds are near 140mph with higher gusts.

“Gabrielle is a Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson hurricane wind scale. Little significant change in strength is forecast tonight, followed by a gradual weakening on Tuesday and Wednesday.

“Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 40 miles from the centre and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 140 miles.”

A small craft warning is in effect until tomorrow morning.