1997 is likely to go out with a bang as weather forecasters predicted a windy -- and wet -- final week of the year.

Forecasters believe southerly winds up to 40 knots, which started last night, could blow through the Island for the rest of today.

And, with heavy rain also expected, 1997 is set to be one of the wettest on record.

Bermuda Weather Service meteorologist Pieter Spyker is warning boat owners to make sure their vessels were securely moored before the storm strikes.

"We have gale force warnings and expect the winds to last throughout the day,'' he said.

"Gale winds get up to about 40 knots but it's possible that, if we get some showers coming through, the winds could be even stronger. Storm warnings are given when the wind gets over 48 knots.

"The Island is built to take these sort of winds but there could still be a few branches coming off trees.

"And if anyone has anything outside like a satellite dish or garden furniture they should make sure it's tied down and people should also check the moorings of their boats.'' Mr. Spyker said the strong conditions could be caused by the El Nino weather system.

"It's been a particularly bad winter so far,'' he said. "We have already had quite a few gale winds in December and rainfall has been well up this month.

"So far we've had 8.49 inches of rain this month and the average is 4.4 inches.

"And the total rainfall for the year now stands at 68.03 inches compared with an average of 54.9 inches. The wettest year on record was 1962 when we had 75.4 inches.

"With the extra rain we'll be getting in the next few days, we'll certainly be pushing the 70-inch mark.'' Despite the bleak outlook, winds are expected to gradually die down by the end of the week.

"They should be dropping down to about 20 to 30 knots tomorrow and 15 to 25 knots by Thursday,'' Mr. Spyker said.

And there's some hope for the weekend. We don't have anything definite yet but there are suggestions that there will be high pressure over the Island bringing lighter winds and sunnier skies.''