Tropical Storm Shary led to the closure of the Causeway last night but its impact on Bermuda was milder than expected.

The system passed further away from the Island than predicted meaning the 40 to 50 knot (46 to 58 mph) winds which had been forecast did not arrive.

The threat of strong winds convinced Government to close the Causeway at 7 p.m. but it reopened just after 8.30 p.m.

A Government spokeswoman said the decision was taken in the interests of public safety.

Bermuda Weather Service duty forecaster Nick Camizzi told The Royal Gazette shortly before 9.30 p.m. that the storm was about 75 nautical miles to the southeast and was nearing its closest point of approach.

"It's moved further away," he said. "We originally expected it to pass almost over top of Bermuda. Now we are looking at it being 60, 70, 80 nautical miles away. It doesn't look like it is going to get much closer than it's at now."

He added: "We are still expecting at least marginally tropical storm force winds but we are no longer expecting the 40 to 50 knot winds.

"It didn't weaken; it's actually strengthened more than originally expected but it's actually further away. The strongest winds are located in the southeast quadrant, which is obviously quite far from Bermuda.

"In the next hour or so, it looks like we will have northerly winds of 25 to 30 knots (29 to 35 mph). It's certainly possible that it won't reach the 34 knots [tropical storm force] threshold."

The weather last night saw rain and some thunderstorms, including in the east. Mr. Camizzi said this morning was likely to feel "fresh" with northerly winds.

Bermuda Maritime Operations Centre said there were no major incidents at sea.