A hurricane watch is in effect for the island as Hurricane Imelda is expected to pass almost 29 miles — or directly over — the island as a Category 2 hurricane tomorrow, the latest forecast from the Bermuda Weather Service showed.

At 9am this morning, Imelda was almost 753 miles west-southwest of the island, moving north-northeast at about 7mph, the BWS said.

The BWS said that Imelda’s nearest forecast point of approach to Bermuda within the next 72 hours was expected to be at 11pm on Wednesday.

The Emergency Measures Organisation, which met yesterday to review plans for the storm along with Hurricane Humberto, said Imelda was on track to pass “over or very near the island late Wednesday night into Thursday morning”.

The EMO was scheduled to reconvene at 10am this morning.

In a short term forecast, the BWS said Hurricane Humberto is expected to gradually weaken as it moves north of the area on Wednesday.

It said: “Hurricane Humberto gradually weakens as it moves north of the area on Wednesday and Hurricane Imelda then approaches from the southwest to return cloudy skies with periods of showers and rain, some heavy and thundery at times as it passes just south/overhead late Wednesday into Thursday.

“By Thursday morning Imelda clears to the east though marine layer stratocumulus may linger in its wake with the possibility of a shower or two.”

In a morning update, the National Hurricane Centre said that Hurricane Humberto was expected to weaken steadily over the next 12 hours as northwesterly vertical wind shear and intrusions of dry air persist, followed by more gradual weakening over the next day or two.

The BWS said this morning that additional rain bands should continue traversing the area today bringing occasional showers and the chance of isolated thunderstorms as Humberto passes to the distant west during the afternoon.

At 6am, the BWS said Hurricane Humberto was 273 miles west-southwest of Bermuda, travelling north-northwest at 17mph.

Its closest point to the island within the next three days is predicted to be 260 miles to the north-northwest at 7am tomorrow.

Yesterday, Michael Weeks, the Minister of National Security, said the island faced “a serious week of weather” between the two.

He added: “I strongly urge the public to prepare, stay vigilant and follow official updates from the Bermuda Weather Service.

“These storms must be taken seriously, and I encourage all residents to make safety their priority and start preparations today.”

The EMO announced then that there were no plans to close the Causeway in the next 24 hours — with that status to be reviewed at the next meeting.

Nor was there a closure planned for LF Wade International Airport. While no flights had been cancelled, passengers were advised to check directly with their airlines.

Government offices and public schools were to run as normal for the next 24 hours, and there was no plan to activate an emergency shelter.

Two cruise ships scheduled for yesterday were cancelled — the Liberty of the Seas and the Norwegian Aqua.

While buses continue normal service, ferry service will stop from 8pm today until further notice.

Warnings of high surf were posted at marine parks and beaches, with lifeguard services along the South Shore suspended until conditions improve.

The public were strongly advised to stay out of the water and use extreme caution near shorelines.

Mr Weeks added: “Bermuda has been through hurricanes before, and we know preparation saves lives and property.

“Please use this time to secure your homes, check on your neighbours and ensure you have the essentials you need.”

The minister said that updates after the EMO’s next meeting would pay particular attention to the progress of Imelda.

Shelly Leman, the managing director of Belco, said the utility was closely monitoring reports on both storms.

She noted the likelihood of powerful winds and heavy rain hitting the island up to Thursday.

Ms Leman warned that Belco crews might not be able to respond immediately to power outages, but would get to work once it was safe to proceed.

Residents were asked not to call Belco over outages, which are reported automatically by properties with advanced meters.

She added: “It is important to keep the phone lines open for emergencies such as pole fires and downed power lines.”

Updates on outages will be given on Belco’s website and social-media pages.

The City of Hamilton urged all businesses and residents to adhere only to designated trash collection times, and secure waste to prevent flying debris.

A spokeswoman advised there could be service changes, depending on weather conditions — but said parks, car parks and public bathrooms would stay open until conditions required closure.

Crews were said to be clearing storm drains and inspecting infrastructure to reduce the risk of flooding.

Businesses and residents were urged to secure outdoor items, from bins and planters to signs and furniture, against strong winds.