are delayed and wind and rain batters the Island.

Storm force gusts around 60 knots were recorded yesterday afternoon as a "Nor'easter'', which has wreaked havoc along the US East Coast, tracked over the Island.

The Bermuda Weather Service said the band of severe weather should finally pass the Island later today, but conditions are not expected to improve greatly until tomorrow.

High winds yesterday afternoon led to power cuts for 2,500 homes in the Prospect and Middle Road area of Devonshire and at Spanish Point.

The powerful gusts blew over electricity poles in Spanish Point and at Elbow Beach.

Power was restored to most homes within two hours, but by mid-evening last night 25 homes in Warwick and Southampton were still without electricity.

Service meteorologist Kimberley Stevenson said of yesterday's stormy weather in Bermuda: "The centre of the mature low pressure system to our northwest turned into a bomb as it continued to intensify and deepen rapidly while it moved slowly northeastwards.'' Travellers leaving and arriving in Bermuda from the US were affected yesterday and will continue to feel the effects of the storm today.

American Airlines left Bermuda yesterday morning on time bound for New York's JFK Airport, however, the return flight at 10 p.m. last night was cancelled.

It is not due in until midday today.

As a result, there will be no early morning American Airlines flight today, but instead passengers will have to wait until the next flight arrives this afternoon.

Delta Airlines cancelled their flight from Boston to Bermuda yesterday, although its flight from Atlanta actually arrived early yesterday. The flight from Bermuda to Boston went on time.

A spokeswoman for Delta predicted their flights would be back to normal today.

And Continental cancelled their outward and return flights from Newark to Bermuda yesterday, although are expecting to have them back on by today.

A spokeswoman for Bermuda Airport Operations said: "We are expecting a lot more rain and gusts up to 45 knots. The airlines know the forecast here and it is their decision whether they fly or not. They may come here and decide to turn around if they don't think the weather is suitable.

"At the moment, they are all the details we have on the flights, but things could change tomorrow. Travellers should call their airlines to check on their flights.'' Meanwhile, Marine Police advised boat owners to check the moorings on their vessels -- but to wait until the rough weather subsides.

Report by Karen Smith and Stephen Breen