Tropical Storm Cristobal was weakening on Thursday night but forecasters warned that gales may still affect the waters around Bermuda Friday.

The Bermuda Weather Service said aircraft reconnaissance indicated tonight that Cristobal is now becoming extratropical.

"However, gales may still affect the marine area through Friday afternoon and evening. In addition, thundery showers are still expected to move through the local area into the weekend, in association with a cold front," the BWS forecast said.

The forecast said that at 6 p.m. Thursday, Cristobal was located near 31.5 north 71.0 west approximately 325 nautical miles west of Bermuda.

Cristobal has maximum sustained winds of 40 knots, gusting to 50, and is moving northeast at 15 knots.

The closest point of approach of the storm to Bermuda within the next 72 hours is forecast to be approximately 165 nautical miles to the northwest at 8 a.m. on Friday.