Hurricane Marilyn is expected to pass within 168 miles of Bermuda at 10 p.m.

tonight.

Bermuda Weather Service forecasters said winds ranging from 35 to 45 knots and heavy rain were expected from the Category Two hurricane today, but predicted that the Island would avoid the full brunt of the storm, which has already caused massive damage in the US Virgin Islands.

But Tourism Minister the Hon. David Dodwell yesterday said he was disturbed at misleading reports on US television networks which said a hurricane watch had been issued on the Island -- potentially scaring off visitors.

Mr. Dodwell said it was unfortunate that the Island was used as a reference point for storms, although he admitted that this was "understandable'' due to its location.

He said Marilyn was a small storm so he was not expecting an extended period of bad weather and stressed that potential visitors to the Island and travel agents on the East Coast could call 1-800-BERMUDA for updated storm reports.

The storm's closest approach was expected to be 168 nautical miles northwest of Bermuda at 10 p.m. tonight, forecasters said yesterday.

Marilyn was 390 nautical miles southwest of Bermuda at 6 p.m. last night and was heading north at a speed of 12 knots.

Bermuda Weather Service meteorologist Mr. George Parkes said Marilyn was moving faster than expected and said tropical storm force winds of 35 to 45 knots were expected this afternoon.

Mr. Parkes said Marilyn's hurricane force winds should stay to the west of the Island.

Mr. Dodwell said he would be giving serious "consideration'' to how the Tourism Ministry could avoid negative feedback when it came to these hurricane reports in preparation for next season.