Bermuda is now under a tropical storm warning as Hurricane Fiona continues to race away to the north, the Bermuda Weather Service said today.

In its 11.30am update, the BWS said: “Tropical storm force winds will gradually ease this afternoon while hazardous seas and swells continue.

“Conditions then improve dramatically this weekend as high pressure builds in from the west. It will turn noticeably cooler and less humid.”

As of noon, Fiona was 250 miles north of Bermuda and is moving to the northeast at 34mph on a course which will take it directly to northern Nova Scotia by 9am tomorrow when it is expected to be a Category 1 storm.

It has regained some strength and is a Category 3 storm, with winds of 130mph gusting to 160mph. It is expected to weaken to Category 2 status later this afternoon and to futher weaken tomorrow.

Earlier this morning, winds reached as high as 113mph and at least two people were taken to hospital, although their injuries are not known.

Michael Weeks, the Minister of National Security, said it appeared that the island had come through the storm in good shape but that it was the full extent of any damage would not be determined until emergency crews could get out.

“I am asking the public to stay off the roads as long as possible so that our emergency crews can be out on the roads.” He said the worst was gone but the island was still in the throes of tropical storm winds.

The hurricane warning has now been replaced by a tropical storm warning which will be in place for several hours.

Bermuda Weather Service head Mark Guishard said the worst of the storm surge would come with high tide which was at 7.30am.

Dr Guishard said so far it had been more of wind event than a rain event although there were still several rain bands to come.

Lyndon Raynor, of the EMO, said there had been four medical calls during the storm, with two people needing to go to hospital. There was also one burglary.

In its 5.30am forecast, the weather service said hurricane force winds and gusts will gradually ease this morning while prolonged periods of strong tropical storm force winds remain.

It added: “Dangerous seas and swells continue this morning. A ridge of high pressure will move in from the west over the weekend with cooler temperatures and lower humidity levels.”

It said winds are now southerly 63 to 80mph with gusts to to 100mph, gradually decreasing and veering southwesterly 34 to 51mph with gusts to 69mph by noon, then veering westerly 25 to 35mph during late afternoon.

“There will be scattered to widespread rain and showers with a risk of embedded thunderstorms with poor to very poor visibility, becoming scattered showers during the afternoon with fair to poor visibility.”

Seas inside the reef will be 4ft to 8ft and outside the reef 30ft to 45ft, decreasing during the afternoon.

More than 29,000 Belco customers were without power at 11am and crews were completing damage assessments and starting repairs to power lines.

Michael Weeks, the Minister of National Security, said yesterday that Government offices will be shut today. The Causeway was expected to remain open and there was no announcement that it had closed.

The Lamb Foggo Urgent Care Centre in St David’s was open from 6pm yesterday until at least noon today.

Schools are closed today with classes resuming on Monday.

Mr Weeks said the Royal Bermuda Regiment, the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service, Bermuda Police Service, Belco, the Bermuda Hospitals Board and various Government departments were prepared for the storm to come and positioned to provide emergency response when needed.

However he urged the public to be safe.

“The hospital is already seeing individuals coming into the emergency room with injuries due to storm preparation,” Mr Weeks said.

“Please be careful when you trim trees and secure your homes, and during clean up. Do not operate a chainsaw unless you have proper protective gear and are proficient in its safe use.”