Hurricane Jose has brought strong winds and a risk of thunder as it heads away from Bermuda, the Bermuda Weather Service said.

The storm, which has winds of about 75mph and higher gusts, passed its closest point of approach within three days this morning but remains a potential threat to the island.

At noon, Jose was 331 nautical miles west-northwest of Bermuda and heading north at about 9mph.

It is forecast to stay off the United States’ East Coast, but could bring tropical storm conditions to some areas, according to the National Hurricane Centre.

The BWS said at noon: “Hurricane Jose is continuing to move away from Bermuda.

“Today we are experiencing strong winds, gale force gusts, heavier showers, and a risk of thunderstorms as an outer rain band from Jose drags through the area.

“These conditions will gradually settle tonight through Tuesday as Jose moves further and further away from Bermuda.”

Meanwhile, the storm-ravaged Caribbean is under threat yet again, this time from Hurricane Maria.

Dominica, Guadeloupe, Anguilla and Antigua and Barbuda are all in the line of fire from Maria over the next four days.

The storm is forecast to become a category four hurricane by this evening.

But Maria is not considered a potential threat to Bermuda at this stage.

The hurricane was 1,087 nautical miles to the east-southeast of the island at noon today, and its closest point of approach within the next three days is forecast to be 783 nautical miles to the south on Thursday.

A third system in the Atlantic, Tropical Depression Lee, was more than 1,700 nautical miles east-southeast of Bermuda at noon.

It is heading west-northwest, and its closest point of approach within the next three days is forecast to be more than 1,300 nautical miles to the east-southeast on Wednesday morning.

Wayne Caines, the Minister of National Security and chairman of the Emergency Measures Organisation, warned people visiting beaches to be careful of swells and dangerous rip currents caused by Jose and Maria.

He stated: “We must continue to exercise vigilance and preparedness as we continue to navigate through this hurricane season.

“This is an extremely active time for us, and the EMO continues to monitor all of the weather systems making their way through the Atlantic.

“As it relates to Hurricane Jose, Bermuda will continue to experience unsettled weather throughout the evening and into tomorrow. This will result in heavy rain and some flooding in areas that are prone.”

He added that both Jose and Maria are producing “significant wave action”, which has lead to swells and dangerous rip currents.

“We can expect this will last for the next few days. I want to stress that care and caution should be taken by individuals who are visiting our beaches.

“As a measure of public assurance, the EMO has been kept regularly abreast by the BWS and the NHC and we will continue to closely watching these storms for any changes that may pose a threat to Bermuda.”