Forecasters have predicted an extended period of high winds and rain, which could last up to 36 hours as Hurricane Ernesto approaches.

An update from the Bermuda Weather Service at 3pm said that the storm’s closest point of approach in the next three days was expected to be within 29 miles of — or directly over — the island at 8am tomorrow.

The latest information showed that the weather system was 176 miles south-southwest travelling at about 14mph.

Ernesto, a Category 2 hurricane, was packing maximum winds of about 98mph with gusts to 121mph.

Michelle Pitcher, the BWS director, said at a press conference this afternoon that the weather system was expected to be a strong Category 1 or weak Category 2 as it passed the island.

She added that Ernesto could drop more than 8 inches of rain on the island.

Ms Pitcher said: “We’re going to continue to see conditions deteriorate into this evening and overnight.

“We can expect 36-plus hours of 50-knot sustained winds. It’s going to be a long duration event.

“We’ve also had a lot of rain recently. As of this morning we’ve had 3.5 inches. Ernesto is expected to bring another 5 to 8 – possibly more – inches of rain as it goes through. It’s a very wet system.“

A BWS forecast earlier said: “A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Bermuda as Hurricane Ernesto approaches.

“Outer bands of Ernesto have merged with a lingering front to maintain overcast skies with widespread rain and showers, heavy at times.

“Expect building swells and dangerous surf with rip currents to develop today in advance of the onset of tropical storm to hurricane force winds.

“Please continue to monitor the progress of Hurricane Ernesto as it transitions through the area this weekend.”

The US-based National Hurricane Centre’s latest update explained that the storm’s “general motion” was expected to continue with a gradual slowdown by tomorrow.

It added: “A faster northeastward motion is expected late in the weekend.

“On the forecast track, the centre of Ernesto is expected to pass near or over Bermuda on Saturday morning.”

The NHC added: “Hurricane conditions are expected on Bermuda Saturday, with tropical storm conditions likely beginning later this afternoon.

"A dangerous storm surge is expected to produce significant coastal flooding on Bermuda in areas of onshore winds. Near the coast, the surge will be accompanied by large and destructive waves.

"Ernesto is expected to produce total rain accumulations of 6 to 12in in Bermuda with isolated maximum amounts up to 15in. This rainfall will likely result in considerable life-threatening flash flooding, especially in low-lying areas on the island.“

Roads and the airport will be closed this evening.

After a meeting of the Emergency Measures Organisation today, Michael Weeks, the Minister of National Security, once more warned against complacency.

He said: “This storm is the real deal.

“This is not a storm to be taken lightly. We are about to endure 36 hours of hurricane and tropical storm force winds, starting with tropical storm force winds this afternoon.

“This is a significant period of time to be under such conditions, and it presents a considerable risk to life and property.

“If you do not take these warnings seriously, you are putting yourself in danger and the lives of our emergency personnel who may be called to assist you.

“Please take every precaution to protect your life and property. Stay indoors, stay safe, and I pray that we are all spared any real loss or damage.“

Mr Weeks also urged motorists to be off the roads by 7pm tonight and throughout tomorrow, when the storm will be at its closest.

A section of road between Watch Hill Park and John Smith’s Bay, both in Smith’s, was closed this morning.

The Causeway will also be closed by 9pm today and throughout tomorrow, with the Ministry of Public Works assessing the damage on Sunday to determine if it can be opened.

All bus services will be suspended by later this evening, with the last bus running at 6pm. There will be no bus services tomorrow.

Ferry services are suspended and will resume once weather conditions allow.

Mr Weeks said that government offices will close at 4pm today, with the last customer to be served an hour beforehand.

He urged everyone to resolve government business before then.

The emergency shelter at CedarBridge Academy in Devonshire will open at 5pm today and will stay open until conditions allow for safe closure.

Seniors and those without adequate shelter were urged to make use of the facility.

The Lamb Foggo Urgent Care Centre in St David’s will be operational from 8pm today and close once the Causeway has reopened.

Ambulance services will continue as normal during the storm.

The emergency radio station on 100.1FM will start its broadcast at 8pm today.

Mr Weeks warned that LF Wade International Airport will close at 8pm today and urged people with flights over the weekend to check with their airlines for the status of their travel.

He confirmed that today’s British Airways flight from London was expected to land but is to arrive earlier than scheduled and will depart for Britain at 6.30pm

• UPDATE: this article has been updated with information from the Bermuda Weather Service’s 3pm update