first tropical depression, expected to bring near-gale-force winds and heavy rain.

Meanwhile, Independent MP Mr. Stuart Hayward accused Government of withholding important information on surges in sea level brought on by hurricanes -- especially the effects on boat moorings.

And the Emergency Measures Organisation called off a mock-hurricane preparedness exercise for fear of confusing residents.

The storm system was last night predicted to almost directly pass over Bermuda.

It was expected to be closest to the Island at 5 a.m. tomorrow when it was expected to pass 25 nautical miles to the northwest.

The worst effects were expected to be rain, possible thunderstorms and maximum winds of 30 knots with gusts to 40 knots.

US Naval Oceanography Command Facility forecasters did not believe the depression would strengthen into a named storm.

Last night it was located 629 nautical miles southwest of the Island, tracking northeast.

On the weekend the depression deluged South Florida with more than eight inches of rain. And in Cuba, where it was centred, more than 16,000 people were evacuated from flooded areas.

Acting Works Minister the Hon. Gerald Simons announced in Parliament last week that the EMO had determined more than 2,000 homes could be flooded in the event of a disastrous category-five hurricane.

Those living on the Great Sound and other low-lying areas near water were reckoned most at risk, he revealed.

As a result of its findings, the EMO was this month sending out letters to the occupants of the 2,000 homes -- representing 10 percent of the Island's properties -- telling them what they should do in the event of storm surge, he said.

The EMO's worst case sceario was predicated on a category-five storm hitting the Island during a period of high tides when the mean water level was already elevated because of a major storm, Mr. Simons explained.

But Mr. Hayward said it was "peculiar'' that Government had not released copies of the full storm-surge report or the EMO's executive summary.

"With the advent of the (hurricane) season it is a little more than urgent that people have access to the report's information -- or what was the point of it?,'' he asked.

Mr. Hayward said he understood there was a section in the report dealing with boat moorings and how they would be affected by storm surge.

He believed the report highlighted areas which are currently considered protected mooring areas but could become un-protected in the event of storm surge.

"It may turn out that a boat moored off South Shore would be more protected than one moored in Harrington Sound,'' he said.