But with its predicted closest point of approach of 314-nautical miles on Saturday afternoon, it will bring unsettled conditions including some gusty winds and increasing swell to the Island over the next few days.

Forecasters at the Bermuda Weather Service last night said Cindy is taking a more north-northwesterly direction and that her effect on the Island will be "pretty minimal''.

Their attention has now turned to the weather system called Emily, which has now been downgraded to a Tropical Depression.

Meteorologist James Buxton said they were "keeping an eye'' on the system because computer models had indicated that Emily could be upgraded to hurricane status over the weekend.

Cindy forecast to veer east of Island Meanwhile, Hurricane Dennis is making its way across the Bahamas in north-westerly direction.

Forecasters predict that it will curve more to the north over the next few days, putting it on a collision course with the coasts of North and South Carolina.

At last report, Hurricane Dennis had maximum sustained winds of 65 knots with gusts to 80 knots.

However, forecasters said these figures could increase to 95 knots with gusts to 115 knots over the next couple of days.

Closer to home, Government has taken advantage of the threat of Hurricane Cindy and issued a public advisory on hurricane safety.

In a press release, Works and Engineering Minister Alex Scott reminded the public of the existence of "Action Stations'' across the Island that are stocked up with emergency supplies and essential tools to assist with relief and clean-up.

The locations of the Action Stations are St. George's Police Station, the Government Quarry in Bailey's Bay, Botanical Gardens' Garage, Warwick Camp, and the Garage at Port Royal Golf Course.

Mr. Scott advised residents to use common sense and to take approaching hurricane warnings seriously.

He said: "When it comes to the unpredictability of hurricanes, we always hope for the best, but we should be prepared for the worst.'' Mr. Scott added that designated emergency crews will be available to clear affected roads and, in the event of a serious hurricane, CedarBridge and Whitney Institute Middle School gymnasiums have been designated as emergency shelters.

The airport also took the opportunity to issue an advisory for cars to be moved from the long-term parking area there.

An airport spokesman said there were approximately 100 cars parked in the lot yesterday and that, in the past, owners have been advised to ensure that a family member is able to move it in the event of an emergency.

He said: "We wish to make it clear that the Department of Airport Operations will not be responsible for any vehicle that is damaged by the storm while parked at the airport.'' Graphic by Hope Robbins Going wide: Forecasts now call for Hurricane Cindy to veer to the east of Bermuda on Saturday.