pictures, Page 8 Bermuda was sandwiched between two mighty hurricanes last night -- one brushing past and the other with the Island in its sights.

Experts predicted sailors could expect seas of up to 12 feet today, as Bermuda becomes caught on the far eastern edge of 120-mph Hurricane Bonnie.

But forecasters are more worried about Hurricane Danielle, which is now 1,400 miles to the south east but which could be looming over the Island by the weekend.

North and South Carolina were bracing themselves for severe destruction last night as Bonnie -- a Category Three hurricane -- moved towards the US, 600 miles west of Bermuda at 6 p.m.

Bermuda Weather Service forecaster Ed Loder said last night: "At six o'clock, Hurricane Bonnie was either heading away from Bermuda or at least was only running parallel.

"It could get slightly closer to the Island, but we shouldn't see anything more serious than 15 to 20-knot winds.

"There will also be a sea swell of six to 10 or eight to 12 feet. We won't be getting any of the huge tidal waves a few hundred miles to our west, around Cape Hatteras.

"That's because we are just on the extreme eastern edge of the monster storm.

It's a big, sprawling hurricane.

"Many hurricanes are more compact but 100-knot winds make it a category three, which is in the very serious range.

"It's been around now for a day and a half and it's picked up tremendous momentum, so it could spell some real trouble for North and South Carolina.

"They could certainly get some severe damage and we have already heard stories about the evacuations.'' But Bermuda is more likely to have to brace itself for a blitz of its own if Hurricane Danielle's course leads it nearer to the Island.

Latest predictions say the 75-mph hurricane, which could pick up strength, will be around Puerto Rico by Friday.

But weather experts will anxiously monitor their computer charts to check for any changes in direction.

"Danielle is out in the east of the Atlantic at the moment,'' added Mr.

Loder.

"It's still a long way from Bermuda but in many ways it's a lot more worrying. Gusts are already getting up to 90 knots and its current track is west northwest at 18 knots.

"It is definitely a hurricane that we will have to watch. In three days, her track could shift enough to bring her towards us.

"I would not say we are expecting that to happen but it's something we have to be mindful of. But right now, it's too far away to influence our weather patterns.'' STORM FORCE -- Christin Burhns and her father, Rick, brace as weaves -- stirred up by Hurricane Bonnie pounds their Florida jetty.