Hurricane Humberto, which remained a powerful Category 4 storm this morning after ramping up yesterday, continues on a predicted course to pass to the island’s west next week, bringing potential tropical storm conditions.

The Emergency Measures Organisation is to meet tomorrow to assess the situation.

It came as Tropical Storm Imelda, now also classed as a potential threat to Bermuda, was projected to head northwards from the Bahamas, with an abrupt swerve eastward into the Atlantic expected early next week.

If weather models hold true, Imelda will build into a Category 1 hurricane with potential to encroach on the island.

The BWS said in its noon update that Humberto had progressed to 530 miles south of Bermuda. Its movement west-northwest had accelerated to 13mph.

Hurricane Humberto is expected to drop to a Category 2 as it makes its way past the island on Tuesday into Wednesday.

The BWS said that the storm’s closest point of approach to Bermuda within the next 72 hours was forecast to be about 195 miles to the northwest at 2am on Wednesday.

The service added: “Please note this forecast is subject to change at the next update.”

David Burt, the Premier, will remain in close contact with Cabinet during a trip to Europe in the coming week.

Mr Burt said: “While no direct threat to the island is currently anticipated from Hurricane Humberto, storm tracks are unpredictable and, given the size of the storm, vigilance is warranted.”

He advised residents to heed warnings from the Emergency Measures Organisation on both storms.

Belco, the island’s electricity provider, said its crisis management team was bracing for the storm, with reserves strategically placed in the western and eastern ends of the island and crew assignments on hand for a rapid response.

The company reminded residents to keep trees on their property clear of power lines, and to call 295-5111 or e-mail treetrimming@belco.bm three weeks in advance to schedule a power shutdown to cut foliage back safely.

Shelly Leman, Belco’s managing director, said the island had been “fortunate to have escaped any impacts from Hurricane Gabrielle” — but cautioned residents not to let their guard down.

She added: “I urge residents to prepare now for potential storm conditions and encourage all residents and businesses in Bermuda to review their own hurricane safety plans as well as tips and advice on the Belco website and social media channels to keep their family and property safe should we be impacted by major Hurricane Humberto.”

A BWS forecast discussion on Friday said the companion storm to Humberto’s west added uncertainty owing to “a potential Fujiwhara effect, which could still cause some significant changes in the forecast track of Humberto”.

The US-based National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said that a Fujiwhara effect occurs when two hurricanes spinning in the same direction pass close enough to each other to begin “an intense dance around their common centre”.

It added: “If one hurricane is a lot stronger than the other, the smaller one will orbit it and eventually come crashing into its vortex to be absorbed.

“Two storms closer in strength can gravitate towards each other until they reach a common point and merge, or merely spin each other around for a while before shooting off on their own paths.

“In rare occasions, the effect is additive when the hurricanes come together, resulting in one larger storm instead of two smaller ones.”

The BWS said that the island could expect southeasterly winds on Tuesday with strong gusts reaching gale force.

Winds are likely to veer south-southeasterly, then increasing south-southwesterly, strong to gale force, with gusts approaching storm force towards evening.

Gusts from gale to storm force can be expected overnight, especially over elevated and exposed areas.

The BWS said southeasterly swells were expected to continue building moderate to rough on Monday, and could develop further from the south to become very rough with dangerous conditions along South Shore.