Tropical Storm Karl has rebounded as of 6pm, with the Emergency Measures Organisation calling on residents to take care of preparations tonight, as the storm will draw near by late tomorrow.

The Bermuda Weather Service issued a tropical storm watch at noon for the system, which is expected to pass close to the island early on Saturday.

After the EMO was convened this afternoon, Senator Jeffrey Baron, the Minister of National Security, said: “Today’s meeting was productive and served to confirm that all relevant agencies are prepared in the event of any change in the current forecast.

“Any system passing this close to us should not be taken lightly and the old saying ‘better safe than sorry’ should be our guide. Preparations should be made and all watches and warnings followed.

“Our aim is to provide as much information as possible to the public but overall we want people to be safe and prepared. Tomorrow’s early forecast will dictate many of our next steps but in the meantime residents can stay abreast of developments on www.weather.bm.”

Residents are urged to take in outdoor furniture and to top up on hurricane supplies. Boat owners are encouraged to secure their vessels this evening ahead of increased winds.

Although forecasts remain uncertain, the system — considered a threat to Bermuda — regained strength this afternoon, upgrading from a tropical depression.

According to the BWS’s latest advisory, Karl’s closest point of approach to the island is forecast to be 92 nautical miles to the south-southeast at 4am on Saturday.

As of 9pm, the system was 372nm south of the island and heading northwest at about 16mph. Maximum wind speeds have increased to about 45mph, with higher gusts.

In a special warning issued this afternoon, the BWS stated: “Karl’s forecast remains very uncertain but strong winds (higher in exposed and elevated areas), showers, squalls, thunderstorms, and very rough seas creating hazardous surf are still expected as it passes Friday night through Saturday morning.”

According to the United States-based National Hurricane Centre, tropical storm-force winds extend outward up to 140 miles to the north of the centre.

Some strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours and the system is expected to bring one to three inches of rain to Bermuda between Saturday and early Sunday.

Swells generated by Karl are already affecting the island and are expected to increase during the next couple of days.

The EMO meeting, co-chaired by Michael DeSilva, the Commissioner of Police, was also attended by Acting Governor Ginny Ferson, and key representatives from the Bermuda Regiment, the Bermuda Police Service, the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service, the Ministries of Public Works, Tourism Development and Transport, Social Development and Sport along with representatives from Belco and the Bermuda Hospitals Board. Topics covered included ensuring that Government and relevant agencies were in step with emergency guidelines and were adequately prepared in advance of the storm.

The EMO will issue another advisory tomorrow afternoon.