Bermuda was this evening placed on a tropical storm watch as Hurricane Leslie continues to threaten the Island.The latest forecast from the Bermuda Weather Service (BWS) is for Hurricane Leslie to intensify into a category 2 hurricane with wind speeds exceeding 90mph and to pass close by the Island early on Sunday morning.Hurricane Leslie is almost stationary with some forecast models predicting the storm will pass by to our east and some predicting it will pass to our west, according to the Emergency Measures Organisation (EMO).As of the 6pm BWS advisory, Leslie’s closest point of approach to Bermuda within 72 hours is forecast to be 133 nautical miles to the East South East at 3pm on Sunday.National Security Minister Wayne Perinchief said: “Today’s meeting of the EMO included our private sector partners whose state of readiness is critical to restoring normalcy to the Island after any storm."Each partner agency reported that their own plans are well advanced and Bermuda can be confident that once the storm has passed a well coordinated response to critical issues is planned."We heard from the Bermuda Weather Service that Leslie continues to be a highly unpredictable storm and that the forecast track and intensity could vary during the next 72 hours so we must all pay close attention to the official updates issued by the EMO."Residents can find all the information they need to prepare on the EMO website at www.emo.gov.bm”The Minister added: “I want to reiterate that neighbours and friends should include in their preparations checking on the safety and preparedness of our seniors.”The Causeway will remain open until sustained winds exceed 50 knots which is expected to occur late Saturday afternoon, said an EMO statement.A decision will be made when to close the Causeway in the coming days and notice will be sent in advance of the closure, the statement added.Residents should also be aware that the Causeway may remain closed for an extended period of time due to the expected duration of hurricane force winds, according to an EMO statement.Public schools will be closed to all students tomorrow, but teachers and principals should report to their schools on Friday in order to prepare for the storm. A decision will be made on when schools will open following passage of the storm.Government offices will close early at 3pm tomorrow to allow people to go home to prepare for the storm. The statement said: "Critical areas such as border control and Government transportation services will, however, remain operational. The re-opening of Government offices will be advised after the passage of the storm."The Department of Airport Operations (DAO) will assess the latest weather forecast information and is expected to announce tomorrow when the Airport will close."Those scheduled to travel Saturday, Sunday or Monday, are urged to check with their respective airline. DAO has also advised residents who may have cars parked in any areas of the LF Wade International Airport to remove them before the storm hits as this area is prone to flooding."On public transport the EMO said that buses will continue to run on Saturday until sustained winds exceed 40 knots. The Sea Express Ferry Service will run to the end of the day tomorrow, but all services will be suspended on Saturday and Sunday.For those needing treatment for any health issues, the Urgent Care Centre in St David’s will be open, as will King Edward Memorial Hospital.Once the storm starts to impact the island Government’s emergency broadcast station on 100.1 FM will begin broadcasting and provide updates every hour.Meanwhile, BCM McAlpine has met with subcontractors at the new hospital building site which will shut down operations at midday tomorrow.Island Construction moved its 35-tonne crane to St George's to ensure that end of the Island has access to heavy machinery in case the Causeway is closed.The 60-tonne crane is stationed at a central location to cover the rest of the island.The Construction Association of Bermuda has also called on contractors “to take this storm seriously”. Spokesman Charles Dunstan said: “Work continues to the last possible minute, then everyone flees to attend to their own personal properties.“Double check that all materials and equipment on their individual sites are well secured, to ensure the safety of their client's and neighbouring properties,” he said.“Simply covering materials will not be enough to ensure their protection throughout what looks to be an extended period of severe winds, they will need to be strapped and/or fastened in place securely, so as to prevent them from becoming missiles.”“The number one cause of damage is wind blown debris, which can be largely avoided with some forethought and careful preparation,” he said.Meanwhile, hurricane supplies were flying off the shelves at Gorham's hardware store in Pembroke yesterday.Director Henry Durham said: “It's awesome, it's great to see people are not waiting until the last minute. We only have three empty shopping carts left at the moment. We had a crew come in overnight and we have a hurricane supplies aisle. People are buying tarps, propane, butane, batteries and flashlights.”Mr Durham said the store will remain open as usual through to Saturday morning, when a decision will be made on whether to close early or not.”Another retailer issued safety tips on how best to protect vehicles before, during and after a storm.Terry Heilbron, vice president of sales at HWP Group, noted that in the aftermath of Hurrican Fabian many people returned to their vehicles only to find them damaged or destroyed as a result of flooding, fallen debris and the overall effects of the storm.He issued a checklist as guidelines for residents with vehicles including a warning to park away from land which is liable to flooding and locating a lee to keep vehicles safe from high winds.