Bermuda yesterday was on its guard over Hurricane Erika.

The move comes after Erika was upgraded to a category three hurricane.

Robert Pasch of the National Hurricane Centre in Miami yesterday said Bermudians should monitor the storm's progress as a precaution.

Erika is expected to make her closest point of approach around 4 a.m. tomorrow Wednesday when she will brush past some 279 nautical miles southeast of Bermuda.

Last night Erika, packing 110 knot winds which gust up to 135 knots, was 537 nautical miles south-southeast of Bermuda at the coordinates 23.6 degrees north and 62.4 degrees west.

The category three hurricane was heading north-northeast at eight knots with a central pressure of 951 millibars.

Local shipping agents yesterday said that they were making contingency plans to accommodate the hurricane.

John S. Darrell's Don MacPherson said the Song of America , which arrives this morning, will head to Hamilton instead of St. George's. And the Royal Majesty will dock in Penno's Wharf, St. George's instead of Ordnance Island.

Mr. MacPherson said the ships' departure times would depend on the progression of Erika. A Meyer Agency spokesperson yesterday said plans were yet to be confirmed, but hinted that the Zenith may sail this morning for Martha's Vineyard to avoid the storm.

The Dreamward which arrived yesterday, may also leave early. And airport officials yesterday requested the public to think twice about leaving their cars in the long-term parking area. Airport spokesperson Michelle Burrows said: "The storm winds, expected to reach the Island by Tuesday evening, may cause higher than normal tide levels and storm surge which may put vehicles parked in this free-parking area at risk.'' Ch. Insp. Philip Every of the Emergency Measures Organisation yesterday said that the steering committee would meet this morning to discuss Hurricane Erika.

The EMO makes disaster preparations for Bermuda, and co-ordinate the efforts to get the Island back to normal as soon as possible.

The EMO is comprised of the Deputy Governor, the Commissioner of Police, personnel from various Government departments, utility companies, the Chamber of Commerce, the Red Cross, the Bermuda Weather Service and St. John's Ambulance Brigade. Also assisting are the Salvation Army and the Seventh Day Adventist Church, which provide rest shelters for any who might need them.