first thought, according to yesterday's weather predictions.

And tropical storm Arlene could pass within 60 nautical miles east north-east of Bermuda by tomorrow evening -- up from the 100-plus miles predicted at the weekend.

Yesterday the Bermuda Police Service ran through the Emergency Measures Organisation radio system -- although it was stressed it is a routine exercise.

The EMO station comes into play if gales knock out commercial stations on the Island.

Last night Arlene -- currently gusting at up to 55 kilometres per hour -- was lying around 237 nautical miles east south-east of the Island and travelling northwest at five kilometres per hour.