Hurricane Fabian is no longer expected to be a direct threat to Bermuda - but people are being urged to keep an eye on the weather forecast this week.

Fabian is the first hurricane to enter the North Atlantic Basin this season, but is expected to continue to track west of the Island, bringing only strong winds and rain towards the end of the week.

At its closest point of approach on Friday afternoon, Hurricane Fabian is expected to be 200 miles to the west - outside both its hurricane and tropical storm radius.

At worst, it is expected to bring 20 to 30 knot winds. Meteorologist Elizabeth Nelson, of the Bermuda Weather Service, said: "We will probably just have a small craft warning, and there may be some stronger gusts and heavy showers that may pass by, as a rain band crosses us, bringing heavy showers and periods of rain on Friday night and Saturday.

"But if the actual track turns out to be further to the east then we would experience stronger winds. There is a chance that it could come closer, so people should follow the forecasts this week."

Ms Nelson said Bermuda was expecting to have fine, sunny weather for the next couple of days, with the winds expected to pick up from overnight Wednesday to Thursday.

She said the National Hurricane Centre had estimated that Bermuda faced a four percent chance of Hurricane Fabian coming within 65 nautical miles of the Island with the next 72 hours, and although the probability may increase as the week progresses, the likelihood may just reach ten percent later in the week.

However, Fabian is expected to continue tracking north, eventually hitting landfall in the Canadian Maritimes. Meteorologist Declan O'Connell said Fabian had strengthened in recent days to a category four hurricane with winds of approximately 140mph.

He said should a storm of that magnitude hit landfall, it would cause major damage and potential loss of life.

But he said as the hurricane moved north it was expected to gradually decrease in strength.

He added: "Of course, it is still too early to know the exact track that this hurricane will take. The National Hurricane Centre in Miami cautioned its five day forecasts carry a good deal of uncertainty.

"In the meantime, it is sensible to think about any preparations that may be necessary. If you happen to be out in your boat, do a little maintenance check.

"Likewise, around your property, do a little inventory of items that may need to be moved or brought inside, and, of course, check supplies like batteries and flashlights.

"As this is an important hurricane to keep track of, it is important to keep abreast of the latest advisories."