The second tropical storm of 2014 has been listed as a possible threat to Bermuda, but forecasts suggest it will pass well to the west of the Island. Tropical Storm Bertha, which dampened the Bahamas yesterday, is expected to pass around 349 nautical miles to Bermuda’s northwest tomorrow evening.

As of yesterday afternoon the storm boasted sustained winds of around 40 knots (46mph/74kph), but the system is expected to strengthen in the coming days, reaching hurricane strength later in the week. The Bermuda Weather Service has listed the storm as a potential threat to the Island — meaning that the centre of the storm is forecast to pass within 400 nautical miles of the Island within the next three days — but they expect the storm will pass to the “distant west and then northwest” of Bermuda.

Meteorologist Michelle Pitcher explained that the storm system is expected to interact with a low pressure centre and associated stationary front, which is currently between Bermuda and the US East Coast.

“As there is already unsettled conditions due to the weak system and a weakness in the Bermuda-Azores High due to this, Tropical Storm Bertha is following a path of least resistance,” she said.

The service is forecasting an increase in winds from light to moderate as the storm passes, with a chance of thunderstorms later in the week due to a trough formed in the wake of the tropical storm.

“Tropical Storm Bertha is not expected to begin to become post-tropical until Thursday afternoon so it is not a proper front that will be affecting the area,” she said. “This trough is expected to move to the near south by Thursday afternoon and stall.”